ARNOLD Clark has strengthened his position as Scotland's largest car

seller by moving into Fife and adding two dealerships to his list of

outlets.

Volvo and Fiat garages, previously run by the defunct Norman Rollo

company, have been bought from the receiver and bring the Arnold Clark

Organisation's dealership strength up to 37, with 15 car franchises

represented on its books.

Mr Glen Gall, joint managing director of the Clark group, said that

the deal, worth around #1m, would secure the jobs of the existing 37

staff at the Fiat and Volvo outlets in Kirkcaldy with the likelihood of

more jobs to come.

The deal, which also includes a smaller Volvo unit in Dunfermline,

brings the total Arnold Clark payroll to 1700 in a company which turned

over #210m last year, generating a #4.2m profit despite the general

slump in sales.

Mr Clark annexed the Fife dealerships against opposition from other

organisations. He bid for both franchises, whereas other contenders are

believed to have wanted either Fiat or Volvo.

There has been widespread contraction within the car trade, but Mr

Clark has continued to expand his empire. He will open a new

Vauxhall/Toyota centre in Linwood, on the Phoenix business park, early

next year.