The global semiconductor shortage that has put a huge handbrake on the number of cars being manufactured around the world has slowed profits at Australia’s largest car dealership group, Eagers Automotive.

The group, which runs 200 showrooms around Australia and has about 10 per cent of the new vehicle market with 40 car and truck brands, said delivery backlogs would result in June-half profits coming in between 10 per cent and 16 per cent lower than a year ago.