Inchcape is to restructure its UK and mainland Europe operations to prepare for likely changes to Block Exemption.

The company intends to split its UK car retail and fleet operations from the refurbishment and logistics divisions, with a new business, Inchcape UK, taking responsibility for dealerships, financial services, fleet management and vehicle sourcing.

Inchcape has softened its reliance on traditional showrooms through its Autobytel UK online stock locator and AutoCascade, the pan-European vehicle remarketing joint venture with Avis Europe.

Inchcape Business Services (UK) will manage AutoCascade and the Eurofleet vehicle refurbishment arm, complementing Inchcape UK, while a mainland business services division will develop operations outside the UK.