Appointment of Group Director of E-Commerce

Inchcape PLC
10 March 2000


Inchcape strengthens focus on e-commerce

Inchcape, the international automotive services group, has further
strengthened its focus on e-commerce development with the appointment of Kevin
Turnbull to the new position of Group Director of E-Commerce.  Mr Turnbull
continues in his current role as Chief Executive Officer of Autobytel UK, but,
in addition, will be responsible for developing Inchcape's overall e-commerce
strategy and implementing it throughout the Group.  Meanwhile, David Green has
been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Autobytel UK, taking over day-to-day
management of the business from Mr Turnbull.  

Peter Johnson, Inchcape Group Chief Executive, said: 'E-commerce is a
fundamental part of our future strategy, and these appointments underline the
importance we attach to this area of our business.  We are already
establishing ourselves as a leader in automotive e-commerce through our
involvement with Autobytel in the US, UK and Continental Europe, and we are
committed to remaining at the forefront of developments in this exciting,
fast-moving area.'

Kevin Turnbull joined Autobytel UK in February 1998 as Chief Executive
Officer, bringing with him over 20 years' experience in the European
automotive industry, including a 14-year stint with Ford in a number of
management positions.  Subsequently, he was a member of the senior management
team responsible for the formation of Nissan Motors Great Britain. 
Immediately prior to joining Autobytel UK, Mr Turnbull helped engineer the
highly successful start-up and flotation of vehicle technology company TOAD
plc.

David Green joins Autobytel UK from Daihatsu (UK) Limited, where he was
Managing Director until Inchcape sold the company on 29 February 2000.  He has
worked for Inchcape for eight years, holding senior management roles in the
Group's former Marketing business in the Middle East before moving into the
automotive operations.  Prior to joining Daihatsu (UK), Mr Green was
extensively involved in development work on e-commerce and other new business
initiatives.

Recognising that e-commerce would have a significant impact on automotive
distribution, Inchcape established a strategic partnership with US-based
Autobytel.com, the world's premier on-line automotive purchasing service, in
1997.  On 30 April 1999, Inchcape launched its wholly owned subsidiary,
Autobytel UK, which has an exclusive 20-year licence to develop the brand in
the United Kingdom.  Autobytel is now expanding into Continental Europe, with
Inchcape investing US$10 million for a 7.3% interest in Autobytel Europe,
which was established in January 2000. 

Peter Johnson said the consumer response in the UK to this new retailing
channel had been very encouraging.  To date, the site has attracted 1.8
million 'unique visitors'.  In addition, it has generated 22,000 purchase
requests, with 3,000 converted into sales; provided £3 million of finance to
online customers; and received 23,000 insurance applications.  

 'In the year ahead, we will be increasing our investment in Autobytel UK to
further develop its market leading position and introduce additional products
to our fast growing customer database.  On a broader international scale, we
are looking at other market opportunities for e-commerce services, and
exploring in our traditional businesses ways of utilising e-commerce to
further improve customer communications and service,' Mr Johnson added. 

Inchcape operates in more than 20 international markets, representing many of
the world's leading car manufacturers.  The Group's activities include import
and distribution; retail of new and used cars; e-commerce; and financial
services, including consumer and dealer finance, insurance and leasing.

Issued by and                     Inchcape plc
enquiries to:                     
                                  Group Communications Director
                                  Stephen Clark   020 7546 8250 

                                  Head of Investor Relations                  
                                  Bridget Gander  020 7546 8394
                     
                                  Autobytel UK
                            
                                  Head of Marketing
                                  Suzanne Butler   0411 85 0505

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