European Motor Holdings has reported interim pre-tax profits up 12% to £5.51m on turnover up 6% to £221m for the six months to August 31.

Richard Palmer, chief executive, said its car retailing business had a “dramatically good” September, with sales up 40% on the same month in 2000, helped by lower interest rates and manufacturer price cuts.

EMH has also signed agreements to install and operate car washes at Sainburys, Wal-Mart and Asda sites.