John Clark Motor Group has announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2024, delivering another year of robust trading performance, strong cash reserves, and continued expansion across Scotland.
Strong trading performance
The Group achieved turnover of £1.07billion, up from £1.03billion in 2023, with sales of over 35,000 vehicles. New vehicle sales grew 15% to 15,468 units, while used vehicle volumes rose 7% to 19,698 units. Aftersales revenues also increased by 9% to £103.8million, underlining the strength of the Group’s diversified operations.
Despite challenging used car market conditions in late 2024 and rising interest costs, John Clark Motor Group delivered a solid performance with EBITDA of £35.2million and operating profit of £25.0million. Net profit before taxation was £19.0million. The Group ended the year with a strong liquidity position, including £20million in cash at bank.
Continued growth and expansion
2024 marked another year of investment and growth for the Group:
- Expansion of the MG brand with the opening of a second dealership.
- Addition of the Kia franchise to the Group’s portfolio.
- Completion of major redevelopment works in Aberdeen to expand Skoda, Seat, and Cupra dealerships.
- Progress on a state-of-the-art Volkswagen Group facility in Dundee, which opened in March 2025, consolidating Skoda, Seat, Cupra, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Average staff headcount rose to 1,385, reflecting both expansion and the Group’s ongoing investment in people. Significant resources were dedicated to training, apprenticeships, and management development to support long-term growth.
Chris Clark, managing director
Post-year developments
Following year-end, the Group completed the acquisition of a freehold property in Stirling to relocate its Land Rover dealership and continued development in Dundee to support the expansion of both MG and BYD franchises. The introduction of BYD marks another exciting new franchise partner joining our portfolio, building on the addition of Kia in 2024. These steps reflect the continued commitment to broadening our product line-up and demonstrate that, even in the face of economic headwinds, the Group is well-positioned for further growth with more to come in the near future.
Managing director Chris Clark commented: “Despite market headwinds, we have once again demonstrated our ability to adapt quickly and deliver robust results. Our team continue to grow and be amongst the best in the industry, and we are proud of the results that have been delivered in 2024. Our balance sheet is stronger, our cash position healthy, and we remain well placed to capitalise on future opportunities across the UK”
The Group highlighted challenges around recruitment, retention, and rising costs across the sector, alongside consumer uncertainty driven by wider economic and political factors. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales also remain an area of market volatility.
Nonetheless, with a strengthened balance sheet and a history of sustained profitability, John Clark Motor Group enters 2025 confident in its ability to continue investing in its people, facilities, and franchise partnerships, while exploring future acquisition opportunities.