General Motors has launched a UK fast-fit company that will provide competition to Ford's FTM network, acquired last year by its subsidiary Kwik-Fit.

Fit4Fleet, which begins trading in March, aims to build a national network of independent tyre, exhaust and battery retailers serving the leasing and fleet market. Managing director Dominic Bateson is targeting more than 500 outlets and claims to have already signed some 250 retailers.

GM, which is looking to broaden its aftermarket proposition to all-makes customers through new channels, said Fit4Fleet would benefits from its worldwide resources, but would operate independent of Vauxhall.

A Vauxhall spokesman said there would be no conflict in interest between the new Poole-based business and the carmaker's dealer network.

"It has no implications whatsoever for our dealers, it is just GM building its all-brands aftermarket business in the UK," he said.

Dealers could join the network, but "would be unlikely to as F4F is dedicated to meeting the needs of all-makes business, not just Vauxhall which our dealers are dedicated to," added the spokesman.