MAJOR fleet orders have contributed to dealership group Lookers reporting a 26% year-on-year rise in new car sales in a national market up 1.1% last year. The company says its strategy of investing in people to win 'customers for life' enabled the business to make headway in a challenging market.

Part of Lookers' customer focused approach led to the development of its Central Fleet Management department, which complements its customer management centre. In announcing the company's results for the year to December 31, 2000 executive chairman Fred Maguire said the department had been successful in developing relationships with large fleet buyers and had made good progress in securing major new orders.

Lookers announced pre-tax profits of £6.51million (15 months ended 1999: £6.44m) on turnover of £546.4m (15 months ended 1999: £652.5m). In an upbeat statement Maguire said: 'Our mission is to win customers for life. To achieve this we continue to review all aspects of our business to ensure that our people are able to deliver outstanding service from a first class retail environment. Investment in our people and facilities continues to be a key feature of our approach to developing the business. The success of this strategy enabled Lookers to out perform the national new car market for new vehicle sales.'