VERTU Motors, the car dealer behind the Macklin dealerships in Scotland, has delivered record half-year profits of £16.4 million.

Interim profits at the company, which operates 119 outlets across the UK, were up 28.1 per cent in the six months ended August 31, compared with the same period last year.

Chief executive Robert Forrester said: “Recent acquisitions, growth in high margin aftersales activity, improvements in organic performance and the disposal of underperforming businesses and assets are all underpinning improved returns.”

The company said it now expects to deliver full-year results ahead of expectations.

Shares edged down 1.5 per cent in early trading.