Total sales for the 11 months to 30 November 2007 were up 27 per cent on a constant currency basis and 26 per cent in sterling terms.

Like-for-like sales were up 3.8 per cent for the same period on a constant currency basis. In its pre-close trading update Inchcape said its performance in the European and emerging markets continued to be strong and while the UK market remained competitive the group had benefitted from successfully integrating its recent acquisitions. Inchape added it would continue to assess expansion opportunities across target markets and remained confident in its prospects for the full year.