LOOKERS, the North West car dealership and parts distribution group, has defied the recession to double pre-exceptional profits to a record £28.3m.

The Manchester company, which has more than 120 dealerships nationwide, said trading in the early part of this year was already up on 2009.

Yorkshire entrepreneur Tony Bramall has a major stake in Lookers and sits on its board.

While overall new car sales stalled 6% UK-wide, Lookers increased its sales by 13% to 61.372, while used car sales were 6% ahead too.......for the full story register now for free or login below...