North car sales hit

Growth in new car sales in Northern Ireland is being hit by the strength of sterling and the increasing competition from car dealers in the Republic. New car sales in Northern Ireland grew by 6 per cent in the six months to March 31st, trailing the 7 per cent growth rate for the UK as whole, as car buyers shopped for better value in the Republic. Mr Craig McKinney, chairman of the Lookers motor group, said its Charles Hurst business in Belfast had been affected by "increased competition resulting from the importation of vehicles from Southern Ireland caused by strong sterling." Lookers first half profits rose £300,000 sterling to £4.3 million on turnover down £25 million at £277 million. The interim dividend is maintained at 2.6p per share.