SALES of the new BMW Series 3 and buoyant interest in the European Ford range boosted net profit at Sime Darby Hong Kong by 30.44 per cent to $246.8 million in the six months to December 31.
A drop in imports to China, anticipated tax changes surrounding China trade and a strong Japanese yen would affect group prospects in the second half to June, the company said.
Earnings per share came to 52.9 cents, up 30.3 per cent, compared with $1.085 cents in the full year in 1993.
A dividend of 20 cents was announced compared with 16 cents in the first half of 1993, and $1.41 cents for all of 1993.
Owned 74.9 per cent by Sime Darby of Malaysia, the group traditionally has a high dividend payout policy.
''In the period under review, the Hong Kong economy remained buoyant despite political uncertainties,'' the company said.
''Total vehicle market registrations dropped by five per cent, with a marginal increase in the passenger car market and a decline in the commercial sector.'' The interim result compares with 24 per cent net profit growth at the interim stage of 1991-92 to $189.2 million.