DAGENHAM Motors has reported pre-tax profits up 25% to £5.1 million from £4.1 million on turnover up 18% to £267.5 million (£227.6 million) for the year to December 31, 1995.

The all Ford dealership group, which operates 13 car and two truck outlets, is also optimistic for the current year with chairman David Philip saying: 'The group has got off to a good start in 1996 with profits for the first quarter ahead of a strong target.'

Sales of new Ford cars broke the 10,000 barrier for the first time in the group's history with a 19% uplift to 11,248 units, while sales of used cars rose 10% to 8,448. Sales of new commercial vehicles rose by 3% to 2,095, but used commercial vehicle sales rose dramatically by 59% to 454 units.