CAR dealer HR Owen has seen record sales in the first half of the year, with new cars sold up 17% on the same period in 2000. Turnover increased 8.1% to £281 million, while pre tax profits leapt 7.3% to nearly £3.9 million, despite supply problems from some manufacturers, new car price reductions and the liquidation of the company's insurance company, Independent Insurance.

Chairman John MacArthur claimed the firm was benefiting from the manufacturers' reaction to the block exemption review to side with larger franchises.