Jardine Cycle & Carriage says profit attributable to shareholders in the first six months ending June 30, 2010, stood at US$358 million ($488 million).This included a non-trading gain of US$5 million.

Underlying profit increased by 71% to US$353 million and underlying earnings per share rose by 71% to US¢99.35.

Group revenue grew by 61% to US$7.4 billion.

Jardine C&C says Astra contributed US$349 million to the group’s underlying profit, an increase of 74%, reflecting a stronger rupiah and improved performances from many of its major businesses. Underlying profit contribution from the group’s other motor interests was 33% higher at US$28 million.

The board has declared an interim one-tier tax exempt dividend of US¢16 per share (2009: US¢11 per share), a 45% increase.