Pre-close trading statement

Inchcape PLC
29 June 2005


29 June 2005

Inchcape pre-close trading statement

Inchcape plc, the international automotive services group, enters a close period
on 1 July 2005 ahead of its Interim results announcement, for the six months
ended 30 June 2005, on 1 August 2005.

Inchcape's trading performance continues in line with expectations, as set out
in its AGM trading statement issued on 12 May 2005.

We are continuing the earnings enhancing £65.0m share buy back programme,
previously announced in our Preliminary results statement on 28 February 2005.
As at close of business on 28 June 2005, c. £31.0m has been returned to
shareholders through the purchase of c. 1.7m shares at an average price of
£18.46p per share.

Inchcape continues to benefit from its broad geographic spread and strong
operational performance. The overall trading conditions seen to date leave us
confident that 2005 will show further progress for Inchcape, and we are well
placed to continue with our record of profit growth and strong cash generation.


Notes to editors

Inchcape, 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. Inchcape's activities include exclusive
Import, Distribution and Retail, Business Services, automotive E-commerce and
Financial Services. Our key manufacturer partners are Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, BMW,
the Premier Automotive Group of Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.

For further information, please contact:

Group Communications, Inchcape plc                               020 7546 0022
Hogarth Partnership Limited (John Olsen/Barnaby Fry)             020 7357 9477
or visit us at www.inchcape.com



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange         AKKPADKSEFE