27th Apr 2007 07:02
National Express Group PLC27 April 2007 Friday 27 April 2007For immediate release National Express Group PLC Trading Update The Group has made a strong start to the year and is trading in line with ourexpectations. In Spain, Alsa has experienced strong passenger growth of 3.5% to date in itslong distance division with key routes particularly busy over the Easter period.We are trading in line with budget and our high margins are being maintained inthis key strategic market. As announced today, we are delighted with theacquisition of Continental Auto which consolidates our position as one ofSpain's leading passenger transport operators. We have enjoyed sustained growth in our trains division with passenger numbersup by 6.8% in the first quarter, and have continued our industry leadingoperational performance. We are discussing our bids for the new East Midlandsand Cross Country franchises with the Department for Transport and are currentlypreparing our bid for the Inter-City East Coast franchise which will besubmitted in early June. We are seeing encouraging growth in our UK bus division and believe that recentdiscussions with Centro, the passenger transport executive in the West Midlands,will further improve the appeal of bus travel to customers. Our coach divisionhas experienced a strong first three months. We were pleased to announce inearly April that our coach division has become the Official Transport Supplierto Wembley Stadium until 2010, providing dedicated links for visitors to the newnational stadium from all over the country. In the UK, we will have noyear-on-year cost impact based on current oil prices. Our North American business continues to focus on transforming its offer to theschool boards and parents. The 2007 school bid season is not yet complete but wehave already won more new business than we did in the whole of the 2006 bidseason. The translation impact of the weakening dollar may impact upon ourreported results for the division. We have made a good start to the year and the Board looks forward to the futurewith confidence. - ENDS - For further information, please contact: National Express Group PLC +44 20 7529 2000Richard Bowker, Chief Executive Adam Walker, Finance DirectorNicola Marsden, Director of Group Communications Maitland +44 20 7379 5151Neil Bennett/Suzanne Bartch/Brian Hudspith This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
NEX.L