18th Dec 2007 07:01
Inchcape PLC18 December 2007 Inchcape plc Pre-close trading update Inchcape plc ('Inchcape' or 'the Group'), the world's leading car retailer,today provides a pre-close trading update for the year ending 31 December 2007. The trading performance of the Group overall continues to be in line withexpectations. Total sales for the 11 months to 30 November 2007 were up 27% on a constantcurrency basis (26% in sterling terms). Like for like sales were up 3.8% forthe same period on a constant currency basis. The performance of our businesses in Europe and the Emerging Markets continuesto be strong, offsetting anticipated weakness in Singapore. In the UK, whilsttrading conditions remain competitive, we have benefited from the successfulintegration of recent acquisitions. We continue to look at expansion opportunities across all of our target marketsand remain confident in our prospects for the full year. ends Group Communications, Inchcape plc+44 (0) 20 7546 0022 Investor Relations, Inchcape plc+44 (0) 20 7546 8432 Financial Dynamics (Jonathon Brill/Billy Clegg)+44 (0) 20 7831 3113 Notes to editors Inchcape plc is the leading independent, international automotive retailer, withscale operations in Australia, Belgium, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK.The Group also has operations in a number of other markets, including EasternEurope, the Baltic's, Russia and South America. In addition to growing its corebusinesses, Inchcape is looking to develop scale operations in new and emergingregions. It represents leading automotive brands and operates either a retail,or a vertically integrated retail model (i.e. exclusive distribution andretail), depending on the market. Inchcape's current key manufacturer partnersare Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi and Honda. For further information, visit us at www.inchcape.com This statement is based on information sourced from management accounts.Statements made in this announcement that look forward in time or that expressmanagement's beliefs, expectations or estimates regarding future occurrences are"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States federalsecurities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect the Group's currentexpectations concerning future events and actual results may differ materiallyfrom current expectations or historical results. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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