EXPANDING dealership group Dixons Motors has revealed a 71% increase in pre-tax profits to £4.01 million for the first six months of 1997 (JanuaryûJune 1996: £2.35 million). The massive rise on turnover, up 40% to £173.59 million (1996: £124.47 million), has been attributed to a long list of impressive sales successes across the company's 44 motor vehicle retail sites which represent 19 franchises and four motorcycle retail sites representing seven manufacturers.

During the first half of 1997 new car sales rose 40.1% to 6,322 units (1996: 4,512), used car sales rose 16.4% to 8,698 (1996: 7,472), aftersales turnover increased 84.9% to £29.7 million (1996: £16.06 million) and there were also significant improvements in service, parts and bodyshop areas.

Last month the company announced the acquisition of the Carnell Motor Group for £14.4 million. s a result of the company's expansion, Simon Dixon, previously operations director, becomes managing director; David Hickey, previously a non-executive director, becomes non-executive deputy chairman; and Martyn Carnell joins the board as executive director.