Inchcape says its performance in each of its six core global markets, ahead of a close period on July 1. It will announce its interim results for the six months to June 30 on August 3.

The group has concluded the earnings enhancing share buy back programme with a total of £65 million returned to shareholders through the purchase of 17,880,606 shares at an average price of £3.64 per share.

In a statement today the group, which operates in Australia, Belgium, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK, said: ‘We remain confident we will deliver further growth and strong cash generation in 2006, leveraging our broad geographic spread and our focus on operational excellence.’