DAGENHAM Motors, the UK's largest dedicated Ford dealership group, is expected to announce further territory gains this year following successful talks with the manufacturer. The company, which this week announced record financial results for the year to December 31, 1997, operates seven Ford dealerships and two Iveco Truck outlets.

In announcing the results chairman David Philip said: 'We are in discussion with Ford Motor Company and we expect to announce further territory gains in 1998 in addition to the Plaistow dealership acquired in January this year and the Kingston and Chelmsford dealerships to be opened shortly.'

Last year turnover increased 2% to £297.6 million (1996: £291.9 million) and pre-tax profits rose 21% to a record £6.17 million (1996: £5.12 million) reflecting increased efficiencies and reduced costs.