Pre - Close Trading Statement

Northgate PLC
                  

Northgate plc ('Northgate' or the 'Company'), the UK's leading light commercial
vehicle hire company, is today issuing an update on trading ahead of its close
period before interim results.

Northgate's financial performance in the UK for the six months to 31st October
2003 has met the Board's expectations. Since the AGM trading statement issued on
9th September 2003, the Company has seen business return to more normal levels
with the resumption of fleet growth and utilisation maintained at 90 per cent.

FUALSA, a leading Spanish van rental company in which Northgate acquired an
initial 40 per cent stake in July 2002, has traded slightly ahead of the Board's
expectations.

The Directors believe that the outcome for the year as a whole will be
satisfactory and in line with current market expectations.

Northgate's interim results for the six months to 31st October 2003 will be
announced on the 14th of January 2004.

For further enquiries:

Northgate plc                                         Tel: [phone]
Steve Smith, Chief Executive Officer
Gerard Murray, Finance Director

Hogarth Partnership Limited                           Tel: [phone]
Andrew Jaques
Tom Leatherbarrow