SYTNER Group, the prestige motor retailer, expects business to grow with the introduction of the carbon dioxide based company car tax system next April.

Chief executive Laurence Vaughan said the introduction of the emissions-based tax system could boost the company's business even further.

He said: 'I think the new regime will change the sort of cars that drivers choose and also accelerate the number of cash-for-car alternatives offered. This means that fleet drivers who previously only had limited choice will be able to choose more prestige models.'

For the six months up to August 31, the group announced profits before tax and goodwill amortisation of £5.5 million, up from £4.3 million in 2000. Turnover grew from £273.5 million to £318.7 million over the same period.

Vaughan said turnover had grown because of a return to 'normal' trading after the 'Great British Rip-Off' campaign against high UK new car prices, which caused instability in the market.