Trading Statement

Inchcape PLC
18 December 2007


                                  Inchcape plc

                            Pre-close trading update


Inchcape plc ('Inchcape' or 'the Group'), the world's leading car retailer,
today provides a pre-close trading update for the year ending 31 December 2007.

The trading performance of the Group overall continues to be in line with
expectations.

Total sales for the 11 months to 30 November 2007 were up 27% on a constant
currency basis (26% in sterling terms).  Like for like sales were up 3.8% for
the same period on a constant currency basis.

The performance of our businesses in Europe and the Emerging Markets continues
to be strong, offsetting anticipated weakness in Singapore.  In the UK, whilst
trading conditions remain competitive, we have benefited from the successful
integration of recent acquisitions.

We continue to look at expansion opportunities across all of our target markets
and remain confident in our prospects for the full year.


                                      ends



Group Communications, Inchcape plc
[phone]

Investor Relations, Inchcape plc
[phone]

Financial Dynamics (Jonathon Brill/Billy Clegg)
[phone]



Notes to editors

Inchcape plc is the leading independent, international automotive retailer, with
scale operations in Australia, Belgium, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK.
The Group also has operations in a number of other markets, including Eastern
Europe, the Baltic's, Russia and South America.  In addition to growing its core
businesses, Inchcape is looking to develop scale operations in new and emerging
regions.  It represents leading automotive brands and operates either a retail,
or a vertically integrated retail model (i.e. exclusive distribution and
retail), depending on the market.  Inchcape's current key manufacturer partners
are Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi and Honda.

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

This statement is based on information sourced from management accounts.
Statements made in this announcement that look forward in time or that express
management's beliefs, expectations or estimates regarding future occurrences are
'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States federal
securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect the Group's current
expectations concerning future events and actual results may differ materially
from current expectations or historical results.




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