Pre-close trading statement

Inchcape PLC
26 June 2003


26 June 2003

Inchcape pre-close trading statement

Inchcape plc, the international automotive services group, enters a close period
on 1 July 2003 ahead of its interim results, for the six months to 30 June 2003.

As indicated in the trading statement issued on 6 June 2003, trading levels in a
number of our markets continue to be slightly more favourable than anticipated.

The UK is trading broadly in line with our expectations but is facing margin
pressure in certain franchises.

In both Greece and Belgium the launch of the new Toyota Avensis has been well
received.  Trading remains strong and profits are expected to improve this year
in both countries.

The Australian market is up compared to 2002 and our performance continues to
exceed last year.

In Hong Kong, whilst Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and car tax
increases have impacted trading profits to date, consumer confidence is expected
to recover to a degree in the second half of the year.  Overall we still expect
profits to be lower than last year.

In Singapore, the Group has experienced a strong trading performance in the
first half of 2003.  Whilst competitor product launches are likely to put
pressure on margins in the second half, we now expect the full year out-turn to
be ahead of our previous expectations.

These strong performances are expected to more than offset the market pressures
in Hong Kong and we are confident that 2003 will show further progress.  This
again demonstrates the benefit of our broad geographic spread and the strength
of our key businesses.

Inchcape's interim results will be announced on 4 August 2003.


Notes to editors

Inchcape, as an international automotive services group, provides quality
representation for its manufacturer partners, a choice of channels to market and
products for its retail customers and a range of business services for its
corporate customers. Operations are focused on the UK, Greece, Belgium,
Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Our key manufacturer partners are Toyota/
Lexus, Subaru, Ferrari/Maserati, BMW and the Premier Automotive Group of Ford.
Inchcape's activities include exclusive Import, Distribution and Retail,
Business Services, automotive E-commerce and Financial Services.


For further information, please contact:

Group Communications
020 7546 0022

John Olsen/Tom Leatherbarrow, Hogarth Partnership Limited
020 7357 9477


For further information, visit us at www.inchcape.com


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