DEALERSHIP to contract hire group CD Bramall has seen profits dented in what the company describes as a 'difficult' year for the motor industry. The company's results for the year to December 31, 2000 show pre-tax profits fell to £16.03 million (1999: £17.3m), and group turnover dropped to £839.3m (1999: £843.5m).

Although the company (formerly Sanderson Bramall Motor Group) sold more new cars in 2000 than in 1999 (27,566 against 25,567), used car sales were down from 23,417 to 22,449. But the company is looking forward to an improvement during 2001 as buyers return to showrooms.

CD Bramall's leasing division contributed 12% to group profits - a reduction on 1999, but was also affected by the fall in used car values. However, the company is confident of lower costs next year through the centralisation of its contract hire business.