News

Commenting on the results, Lookers Chief Executive Peter Jones said:

"We are pleased to announce that we have delivered a record trading performance in the first six months of 2010, despite difficult market conditions and we are very encouraged by this result. The strong performance from both the Parts and Motor Divisions, a reduced cost base together with significant positive operational cashflow which has strengthened the balance sheet, give us confidence that we can continue to grow the business, deliver successful results for the full year and be in a position to pursue strategic growth opportunities as they arise."

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Lookers plc, one of the leading UK Motor Retail and Aftersales Services Groups, is issuing a trading statement for the period from 11 May 2010 to 30 June 2010, which is the end of the company’s interim financial period.

The Group is pleased to report that trading to the end of June is ahead of budget and the same period in the prior year, and that we expect Group results for the half year to 30 June 2010 to exceed management’s expectations.

All Group divisions are currently performing ahead of plan, with the independent Parts Division continuing to deliver record results. The Motor Division has continued to deliver trading results ahead of budget and the prior year and has benefited from new vehicle volume sales growth in excess of the 20% market increase. Although used car sales and aftersales were affected for a short period in January by the adverse weather, trading continues to be at encouraging levels.

The combination of the positive performances in the operating divisions, combined with efficiencies and a reduction in central costs will, we believe, underpin a strong result for the half year.

The financial results for the six months to 30 June 2010 are expected to be announced on 18 August 2010.

Outlook

The new and used car retail markets are likely to continue to be affected whilst consumer confidence remains fragile, although the aftersales bias to our Motor Division helps to reduce this effect. There has been a continued recovery in the corporate new car market, which represents a continuing opportunity to improve our market share and there are further cost savings to deliver. We believe these factors will help to underpin a successful result for the year for the Motor Division.

Our independent parts distribution business remains a key differentiator for Lookers in the retail motor sector. It provides a counter cyclical hedge against economic challenges to the Motor Division, operates in the growing 4 year plus aftersales sector, and, given its significant contribution to overall results, we believe gives us a unique position of strength in the sector,

Commenting on the statement, Peter Jones, Chief Executive said:

“We believe the Group will deliver record results for the first half of the year, giving us confidence that we can continue to grow the business and deliver successful results for the full year, despite the economic challenges facing the UK retail sector.

The factors that created exceptional charges in 2009 are now behind us, ensuring that trading profits and cash flow are not eroded and further strengthening our balance sheet, thereby providing the flexibility to take advantage of growth opportunities where they occur.”

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Commenting on the results, Lookers Chief Executive Peter Jones said:

"The strong performance from both the Parts and Motor Divisions, supported by our strengthened balance sheet and reduced cost base, places us in a strong position”.

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On 1st March 2010, as part of the company’s board reorganisation, Andy Bruce was appointed Managing Director of the Motor Division of Lookers plc and Brian Schumacker stood down from the board.

Andy Bruce will have full accountability for Motor Division performance and will work closely with the organisation’s franchise directors, focusing on divisional performance and strategic development.

Prior to joining Lookers in 2000, Andy was UK Sales Director for Land Rover. He was appointed to the Lookers Board in 2002.

Brian Schumacker has stepped down from his position as Operations Director. Brian will continue with the group in an important new role as Operations Director for Business Development.

Phil White, Chairman of Lookers, commented: "I would like to thank Brian for his valuable contribution to the group during his ten years on the Board. I am delighted that Brian will be continuing with Lookers in his important new role as Operations Director for Business Development, where he will lead the delivery of improved profitability across the group, particularly in dealership aftersales."


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Lookers plc was one of over 170 entries across UK industry and the public sector for the prestigious 2009 National Recycling Awards. Now in its 10th year the new look National Recycling Awards includes several new categories widening the scope of the awards to include the construction and retail sectors whilst continuing to reward and support the efforts of local authorities, councils, the public sector and the waste management community.

Alongside suppliers Specialist Waste Recycling Ltd and Oakwood Environmental Services, Lookers plc were short listed for the Innovations in Health and Safety category. This made them the only motor dealer group to be nominated and qualified Lookers to attend the awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London on 27th October 2009.

The Innovations in Health and Safety category was eventually won by Veolia Environmental Services Southwark. Ted Murphy; Health, Safety and Environmental Advisor for Lookers said “Even though we didn’t win the award it was a great learning experience and together with our partner suppliers we are determined to enter again next year and do even better!”


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As previously announced, Ken Surgenor retires from the Board of Lookers, having served eight years as CEO and worked for the company for 23 years. He is replaced by Peter Jones, currently Managing Director of the Motor Division, who joined the Board in May 2008. Peter, 52, has extensive motor trade experience having been CEO of CD Bramall plc for six years and more recently as co-owner of Bramall & Jones Limited.

Phil White, Chairman of Lookers, commented: “Ken Surgenor was the architect of Lookers’ recent growth including the acquisition of FPS, which was a transformational deal for the Group. Ken’s own particular style and passion for the business have made Lookers one of the most reputable companies in the sector. I am therefore delighted that he will be staying with the Group overseeing our Northern Ireland operations.

“I am pleased to announce that Peter Jones is stepping up to the position of Chief Executive. Peter has a great track record in the industry and has done a tremendous job for us since joining Lookers and we look forward to him leading the Group in its next stage of development.”


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We are currently working with a 3rd party who in turn are working with all manufacturers to gain clarity on how their pricing will be affected by the recent VAT changes. We can confirm that a number of different approaches will be adopted by the manufacturers which means that we are unable to immediately reflect the changes by applying one universal calculation.

Furthermore, because a range of different methods will be applied by manufacturers, every price must be adjusted manually, including option prices. Inevitably this process will take time.

If you require any more information about the VAT changes or any aspect of New Vehicle Data please contact the Internet Sales Team by emailing cars@lookersplc.co.uk or calling 0161 610 4018.


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Northern Ireland’s first ever Lexus IS-F sports car has been welcomed to the province and presented to its proud new owner.

The high performance, luxury vehicle with 417 horsepower from a 5.0-litre, V8 engine was handed over to new owners the McMahon family today at Lexus Belfast, Boucher Road.

Commenting on the purchase of the exclusive Lexus IS-F, Mr Patrick McMahon said, ‘I am delighted to be the first ever owner of a Lexus IS-F in Northern Ireland. The car is absolutely stunning and I am very much looking forward to taking it out on its maiden journey. I have no doubt it will bring myself and my family endless enjoyment and attention!’

Lexus Centre Manager, Richard Vance said, ‘It is a great honour to introduce another Lexus model to Northern Ireland in the form of the IS-F. The ‘F’ signifies a new high-performance brand for Lexus with further models to follow. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the McMahon family every success and happiness with their fabulous new purchase.’

The IS-F possesses the world’s only 8-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission that propels it from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds. The car was developed at the Fuji Speedway race circuit in Japan and is one of only 180, which will be brought into the UK this year.


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Best Motor Dealer Website 2008 - Best Motor Dealer Home Page 2008

Last week, Lookers won 2 prestigious awards from Autotrader for their website. The first was for Best Motor Dealer Home Page and the other was for overall Best Motor Dealer Group Website 2008.

Autotraders independant reviewers had the following to say about the site:

"I was very impressed with the layout and navigation of the site. Everything was clearly marked, which made the browsing experience very enjoyable."

"The site was fairly clear and concise. It felt like a company you would be happy to do business with. The staff seemed friendly and positive."

It was easy to use, quick to load, and contained lots of information."

"I was very please and satisfied after visiting the site, which is very well designed. All information about new and used cars is easily available. Customer service is also very good. Having a freephone number is very good."


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Lookers are delighted to report that it announced on May 1st 2008, on The London Stock Exchange the completion of the acquisition of Bramall & Jones VW Limited and Bramall & Jones Leasing Limited.

The Volkswagen business comprises two outlets - one in Lincoln and the other in Boston which means we now represent the franchise from 11 outlets.

The contract hire and leasing business currently has a fleet of circa 1,500 units operating out of Harrogate.

The Lookers Group takes this opportunity to welcome our new colleagues from Bramall & Jones and we look forward to working with you in the future.


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Lookers are pleased to announce that Peter Jones joins us today as an Operations Director in the Motor Division.

Peter will report directly to Chief Executive, Ken Surgenor and will work alongside Andy Bruce and Brian Schumacker, strengthening our franchise focus, and optimising our business performance.

Peter will be responsible for a number of our franchises in England including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, PSA and Chrysler Jeep Dodge and also have accountability for the Used Car Supermarkets.

Peter has a number of years of experience in the motor industry, was Commercial Director at Rover prior to spending the last ten years in motor retail. He joins Lookers from Bramall and Jones, prior to which he had a short time at Inchcape, and six years at CD Bramall, where he was Chief Executive.

Everyone at Lookers welcomes Peter to the Company and wishes him every success.


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Chevrolet Outlets Grow in Numbers

Lookers have added 2 more Chevrolet outlets to its ever growing dealerships. The two new outlets are based in Heswall, Wirral and in Yardley, Birmingham. Taking the number of Lookers Chevrolet from one to three.

The Heswall branch used to be a Vauxhall outlet but has now changed to over to Chevrolet. They still provide parts and servicing for Vauxhall but now also provide new and used Chevrolet Sales along with parts and servicing.

The Chevrolet at Yardley rather than replacing the already existing Vauxhall site has joined the already thriving dealership, making Yardley a multi-franchise dealership. The site now is able to offer new and used car sales for both manufacturers along with parts and servicing.


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HUGE Discounts - Do You Qualify???

It’s not a well known fact but huge discounts can be obtained on some manufacturers just because you or certain family members work for the right company. GM motors offers a percentage reduction on the list price of brand new vehicles from the Vauxhall, Chevrolet and Saab ranges for people who work for companies such as Royal Mail, ASDA, Aerospace, certain Local Authority and NHS workers and many many more. This scheme was set up by GM motors to reward people who work for companies associated with them.

The percentage of discount is dependant on which company you work for and what model you want, but any percentage discount has got to be worth looking into. Why not find out if you qualify or check out the Vauxhall Partners Section? www.lookers.co.uk/partners


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The All New Vauxhall Antara

Finally, the long awaited Vauxhall Antara has arrived. The New Vauxhall Antara puts many other SUV’s in its class to shame with its undeniable quality, style and driving dynamics.

Currently there are 3 trims levels, E, S and SE. Even the entry level Antara E offers an extremely impressive list of standard equipment including: ESP, Intelligent Four Wheel Drive, remote control Ultrasonic alarm, Front fogs, a Descent Control System, air con, silver roof rails, 17inch alloys, MP3 Compatible CD Player and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Comparing this to many other leading SUV manufacturer models makes the Vauxhall Antara stand out head and shoulders above the rest.

The Antara S boasts additional standard features including: 18inch alloys, climate control, heated front seats, cruise control, Automatic Lighting Control, rain-sensitive wipers, self levelling suspension and chrome detailing on the door handles and exhaust tailpipe.

The top of the range Antara is the SE model, combining the already impressive equipment of the E and S with the addition of many others such as: MP3 compatible 6 disc CD changer, built in Bluetooth kit, leather seats, DVD sat-nav, on board tyre pressure monitoring system, electric folding door mirrors and front and rear parking sensors.

Why not see for yourself! Compare the Vauxhall Antara against other leading SUVs in our new car section. Or contact us to arrange a test drive.


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Lookers New Ford Dealership

Lookers is extremely proud to announce the acquisition of our new Ford dealership in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The dealership now adds Ford to the already extensive list of manufacturers within the lookers Group.

New and Used Car sales, parts, servicing and also a Commercial department handling both New and Used Van sales mean that the new acquisition can handle any Ford need that our customers may have.

The garage is conveniently located close to Sheffield town centre and are always happy to assist anyway they can.

Once again Lookers welcomes Sheffield Ford to the group and look forward to success in the future.


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New Look Lexus Brighton

March 2007 marked the launch of the new look Lexus Brighton dealership. Over £800,000 was spent in bringing the dealership up to the high standard that customers expect.

The refurbishment not only overhauled the entire dealership but added a new hand over bay to assist with the smooth day to day operation of the branch.

Feedback on the dealership’s new look from customers has been extremely positive. The branch will continue to offer the same excellent level of service only now in more stylish and modern surroundings.


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Local van customers were invited to a day at the races with a difference thanks to an invitation from Lookers Stockport. Selected van customers from Lookers Stockport were invited to Haydock Park recently to enjoy a day of racing, including dinner and a tour of the latest Renault van selection. Guests could also win a £10 bet simply by correctly answering five questions on the Renault range. To help them decide which horses to back, they were taken through the racecard by jockey-turned-broadcaster Luke Harvey who correctly tipped five of the eight races, including the last where he tipped the winner at 7-1 and the second at 10-1! Guests were given the opportunity to pick the “best turned out horse” and hand over a magnum of champagne to the winners of the Renault-sponsored races. Darren Levy from Lookers Stockport said: “Everyone had a brilliant time, with some guests going home with quite a bit more money than they came with as Luke tipped so many races correctly. The format of the event is great as they’re good fun and allow our business customers the opportunity to see the Renault van range in an informal environment.”


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LOOKERS RENAULT CUSTOMERS RIDE AND DRIVE AT ARLEY HALL

Customers of Lookers Renault were recently invited to a Ride and Drive event at Arley Hall, the home of Viscount Ashbrook recently. Selected guests and their families were invited by the North West dealerships to drive the Renault range around the grounds before enjoying a tour of the house. Children were kept entertained during the family day out with a story-telling corner called “Tales from the Glovebox”, the opportunity to play on a selection of Nintendo DS Lites, and a close-up look at the ING Renault F1 Team R27 racecar. Lookers Macclesfield Sales Manager Helen Prisk said: “The event went very well, with the weather being kind to us, and the grounds providing the perfect backdrop to a family day out. We’ve already had great feedback from our customers.”


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Well not the real World cup but Lookers Altrincham sponsored a World Cup festival for over 70 school children with various sporting abilities from the local Special Schools, Manor High, Piper Hill, Brentwood, Pictor, Longford Park and St John Vianney Upper and Lower schools. The children from the 7 schools were all mixed to form 12 World Cup Teams giving them the opportunity to socialize and play with children they had not previously met. This experience was further enriched by Manor High students and students from Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT) who performed magnificently whilst gaining invaluable experience as coaches, referees and administrators at the event. The students along with staff from the schools were responsible for assessing the performances of the children between the ages of 8 and 14 in order to choose the winners of the many awards provided by Lookers sponsorship. Ex Manchester United and Rep of Ireland defender Dennis Irwin was on hand to help out with the prize giving, with the overall winners of the competition being Germany (again!!), with the feedback from the school staff and children was overwhelming. Lookers Altrincham are the main sponsor for Trafford Football Development Scheme, which help children with special needs, integrate, mix and have fun through Football, a worth while cause that Lookers are happy to be associated with.


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Honda has recently joined with forces with home furnishings group Ikea as part of a drive to cut the company’s carbon emissions. The Swedish retailer, which has 15 stores in the UK, has been supplied with 50 Honda Civic Hybrid cars by Lookers, with more to follow in 2008. This move will see Ikea become the first private company in the UK to use hybrid vehicles as its company cars. In addition to the company vehicles, employees will also receive discounts on all Honda low emission vehicles. The National Energy Foundation welcomed this initiative, saying it was time for all company employees to start playing their part in reducing carbon emissions. “Through these initiatives Ikea with its high brand recognition will be playing a leading role in making this change happen”


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“Lookers’ Safety at the Wheel Evening was well organised and great fun too.”

Safety at the Wheel car confidence evenings organised at Lookers Vauxhall dealerships in St. Helens and Warrington during July have made local women more aware of how to protect themselves against the dangers they face on today’s roads. Following a spate of stories about aggressive driving in the national media, women (and quite a few men) attending Safety at the Wheel car workshop evenings at Lookers’ showrooms in Knowsley Road, St. Helens, and Winwick Road, Warrington, turned out in masse to learn about driving in today’s stressful conditions. The courses were a community self-help initiative devised to help teach women drivers the basics of car mechanics and personal self-protection so that they are less likely to be left stranded and vulnerable by the roadside. They included roadside get-you-home tips, defensive driving and how to ward off a possible ‘road rage’ attacker. Karate instructor and self-protection specialist Grant Hicks made the subject of defending yourself from a would-be mugger both entertaining and instructive. He developed the personal safety theme and demonstrated a quick-fire method of foiling a would-be assailant, which involved disarming him - or her - in three easy moves with the aid of everyday objects such as car keys or a pen. Penny Hart, Orford, welcomed Lookers’ practical approach: “I didn’t know what I should do if my car broke down by the roadside until tonight, Lookers’ Safety at the Wheel evening was well organised and great fun too. I feel that I have learned something useful about my car today


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Lookers Jaguar technicians Timothy Keeble and Terry Brett have achieved Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), a ground breaking nationwide initiative to further boost quality workmanship in the vehicle repair and servicing sector of the industry. Timothy and Terry, technicians at Lookers’ Jaguar centre in Ipswich, are now included in the ATA register and hold an ATA photo-identity card. Customers are able to check their credentials on a dedicated website www.automotivetechnician.org.uk thereby raising confidence in the industry and the service provided. The accreditation scheme, administered by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), was launched in 2005 to raise standards of car servicing and repair by testing the current competence of vehicle technicians. To achieve accreditation a technician must sign up to a code of conduct and pass a series of practical tasks and online tests


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Following an investment of £100,000 Lookers Land Rover Hadleigh has expanded its facility at its high profile London Road dealership to create the largest display of approved used vehicles in the South East. The business, situated on three acres, displays around 50 approved used Land Rovers but holds a further 50 in stock and has access to around 500 vehicles from its seven sister Land Rover dealers. An indoor used car showroom displays around six vehicles and provides customers with an experience more akin to buying new. The expansion of the business is a result of the growing demand for approved used Land Rovers in the region, particularly for older vehicles and now the dealership sells vehicles up to seven-years-old.


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Following a move to website hosting providers, Lookers recieved the following recognition from Rackspace:

"We would like to confirm that following your hosting contract with Rackspace, Trees have been planted in Holyland Wood, Pembroke. This will help towards neutralising the carbon emissions created by the server/s.

Rackspace is pleased to be working with International Tree Foundation who are committed to protecting, promoting and planting trees globally."


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Lookers announced on The London Stock Exchange the completion of the acquisition of Dutton Forshaw Group, the motor retail division of Lloyds TSB Asset Finance Division.

Dutton Forshaw has 31 outlets which operate under the Dutton Forshaw and Dovercourt brands. The acquisition will increase Lookers total number of Ford outlets from one to eight, Mercedes-Benz outlets from four to eight and vw outlets from five to nine. Other outlets Lookers have acquired include Chevrolet, Chrysler Jeep and Dodge, Citroen, Honda, Hyundai, Land Rover, Peugeot and Skoda.

This will increase the growth of the company and this acquisition will enable us to further expand our currant market areas and build on our strong relationships with our manufacturer partners.


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The brand new websites for Lookers and Charles Hurst are up and running, bringing an exciting new online resource to the group’s customers. The sites offer up-to-the-minute information on all of the group’s dealerships, franchises and products in an attractive and easily navigable format.

Each brand represented by Lookers and Charles Hurst has its own colour-coded home page on the site that’s packed with the latest news, model launches and promotions. Visitors can search the entire group network for new or used cars, read independent reviews on every model and check out testimonials from Lookers’ and Charles Hurst’s many satisfied customers. There’s also the option of signing up for mobile phone or e-mail alerts on the latest special offers as they happen.

Visitors to the site can head straight for the profile page of their local dealership. Every site in the Lookers and Charles Hurst group has its own personalised page featuring contact details, opening hours and directions to the showroom.

Interactivity is central to the design of the new site so as well as gaining information, visitors can request various services. There’s the opportunity to apply for a test drive on your chosen car, request a finance quote or enquire about the availability of a particular model. In every instance, the information is fed automatically back to the Lookers and Charles Hurst team who can respond accordingly.

A strong web presence is becoming an increasingly vital component of every dealer group’s operations and with its new websites, the Lookers and Charles Hurst Group is firmly ahead of the game in this area. Highly accessible and brimming with useful information, the sites set the standard for vehicle retailers on the web and can only be of benefit to the company and its customers.


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