Bradford-based car dealer Sunwin Motor Group today announced record profits of £1.9 million - a massive 42 per cent up.

Sunwin reported its profits on a turnover of £145.6m for 2001-2002.

The group - a trading division of Yorkshire Co-operatives - with 13 dealerships across Bradford, Keighley, Guiseley and Halifax, achieved a 41.7 per cent increase in profits on the previous year.

New car sales increased by 23 per cent and used car sales increased by 8.1 per cent.

The heavy jump in profits come after a year that has saw the motor group invest more than £1m across its dealership network - including the £400,000 refurbishment of Sunwin Peugeot in Keighley and the expansion and refurbishment of Farnell Land Rover in Frizinghall.

Sunwin Motor Group's general manager Mike Austin said: "It's fantastic that in the year we sold our 50,000th new car we also achieved our highest turnover to date.''

He added: "Our commitment to modernisation and improving customer services continues to pay off - and, of course, we couldn't have achieved anything without the hard work of our extremely dedicated staff."

The financial success of the motor group is echoed throughout the division by its three bodyshops whose turnover increased by 14 per cent, in a year when industry reports showed an average 18 per cent decline.

The three Vehicle Builders and Repairs Association and Motor Vehicles Repair Association accredited bodyshops - who are approved by all major insurance companies - believe that a winning team spirit and loyal customer base are the reasons for their success.

Sunwin Motor Group's after sales manager Tony Guest said: "Our bodyshop management team has clocked up almost 70 years service with Sunwin between them, so there is no question that we have the experience to turn around quality repairs in a time frame that suits our customers."