EUROPEAN Motor Holdings' pre-tax profits jumped by almost a third to £8.8 million (£6.7 million) as the retail car market showed signs of recovery.

Turnover increased from £345 million in 1996 to £390 million in the year ended March 31, 1997. The company has just been awarded the Jaguar franchise for the prosperous territories of Leeds and Harrogate and at the other end of the market, is preparing to roll out the new budget-priced Perodua range of small cars after securing the UK franchise earlier this year.