CAR dealer Lookers is revving up its performance as it outpaces the record-breaking year of 2009.

The group which has about 20 dealerships across Merseyside and Cheshire, including the Saab, Vauxhall and Chevrolet marques, recorded a pre-tax profit of £11.5m in 2009 on sales of £1.74bn.

For the year to April 30, Lookers said it was “ahead of budget and the prior year, and the group is continuing to produce record results”.

It expects its half-year results will “exceed management expectations”.

Peter Jones, chief executive of Lookers, said: “Whilst market conditions remain challenging, we are very pleased with the excellent start to the year.

“Both the parts and motor divisions have produced record trading results in the period, and this gives us confidence that we will continue to trade successfully this year and be in a position to pursue strategic growth opportunities as they arise.”

New car sales have grown 23%, and it said margins have improved this year while used car volumes have “recovered to 2009 levels”.

It said its parts division has “delivered further improvements in profitability”.

Lookers, which closed 21 underperforming franchised operations during the downturn, is to add five franchises. It currently operates 120 outlets at 73 locations.

The company said: “Both operating divisions have made an excellent start to the year, which gives us confidence that the result for the half-year should exceed management expectations.

“The underlying new car market is likely to be challenging as a result of general economic conditions. However, the aftersales bias to the business, combined with the strong performance in 2009 and the record start to the year, demonstrates the strength of the group’s business and leaves us well positioned to continue to trade successfully and deliver further growth.”

Lookers’ management is aiming to continue its growth through new product lines and potential acquisitions.

This has been made possible by its much healthier balance sheet after net debts were slashed by £70.5m last year.

“The parts business has benefited from the addition of new product lines and continues to review further opportunities to expand the business,” it added.

“Our strengthened balance sheet enables us to pursue selective acquisition opportunities and we are therefore confident that the group is in a strong position to make further progress in 2010 and beyond.”