Inchcape is to sell up to 47 dealerships in the UK in order to focus on fewer brands and expand its overseas operations.

The company will sell off Hunters Land Rover, which has sites in Norwich and King's Lynn, as well as HA Fox Jaguar and Inchcape Volvo, according to the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press.

Inchcape will also sell Bentley dealer, Michael Powles, which it acquired as part of its takeover of European Motor Holdings in January.

The company will also rid itself of its Ferrari, Maserati, Renault and Vauxhall dealerships.

Inchcape will focus on its Audi, BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen brands.

Inchcape reported a 20.6% rise in full-year pre-tax profits to £213.9 million in 2006 yesterday.