Arnold Clark, the UK's largest privately owned car dealership group, reported growth in new vehicle sales in 2025 driven in part by the introduction of more affordable Chinese car brands to the market. However, despite increased revenue, the company saw a decline in pre-tax profit amid rising costs.

Annual accounts filed at Companies House reveal that new car sales increased by 11.2 percent to 71,388 units last year, contributing to a 21 percent rise in revenue from new vehicles to £1.5 billion. Meanwhile, used car sales fell by 2 percent in volume, totaling 187,920 vehicles, though revenue from this segment still grew by 3 percent to nearly £3.5 billion, reflecting competitive pricing strategies. Overall group revenue rose by nearly 8 percent to £5.56 billion.

Pre-tax profit declined by 6.6 percent to £113 million, influenced by inflationary pressures and higher employment costs. Despite these challenges, Chief Executive Russell Borrie, who assumed the role in March 2025, described the company’s performance as resilient in a difficult economic environment. He highlighted that the availability of lower-priced Chinese brands helped stimulate consumer interest and prompted other manufacturers to improve finance options and incentives.

Arnold Clark, founded in Glasgow in 1954 by Sir Arnold Clark, who was knighted in 2004 and passed away in 2017, also operates vehicle service centers, accident repair workshops, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, spare parts supply, insurance products, and maintains a hire fleet of approximately 36,000 vehicles. The company’s auction division experienced a 20 percent increase in vehicles sold, reaching 64,675 in 2025.

The group ended the year with net funds of £450 million on its balance sheet. Dividend payments to shareholders fell slightly, from £21.9 million in 2024 to £20.2 million in 2025. Borrie acknowledged that ongoing concerns about the cost of living and uncertainty in the global economy continue to influence consumer behavior.