Skyrocketing used-car prices and a flood of drivers extending leases on existing vehicles because of a new car shortage have helped Eclipx Group to a booming first-half profit that soared by 186 per cent.

Chief executive Julian Russell has presided over an impressive rebound at the car leasing company with brands including FleetPlus, FleetPartners and FleetChoice since he took over two years ago, when the group was making losses after heavy write-downs and restructuring costs.