Manufacturers are not waiting in the wings to copy DaimlerChrysler's actions to wrest control of its Mercedes-Benz retail operations from dealers.

Rather the company's strategy is a reaction to its rapidly increasing market share and the belief that the current retail arrangements for its new and used cars are failing to cope.

Camden Motors (Holdings) chief executive Paul Dunkley said at the Fleet Show that dealer groups holding the franchises for other manufacturers should not live in fear of termination contracts falling on the doormat.

"I don't believe other manufacturers are shadowing DaimlerChrysler with the view of copying its strategy, should it succeed," Mr Dunkley said.

"Where a few years ago MB-UK was selling 30,000 to 40,000 cars a year MB-UK is now expecting the network to sell 100,000 cars, including the A-class, a type of car dealers weren't used to selling. There has also been a huge expansion in second hand stock that the dealers aren't expert at selling.

"MB-UK took the view that the network is not up to the new demands. Its new strategy is much more about the management of MB-UK rather than the market about to undergo a sea-change."

Camden operates 29 dealerships across 11 franchises, not including Mercedes-Benz.

Camden announces 8,000 vehicle supply deal to Avis

Camden Motors (Holdings) fleet division Camden Corporate signed an 8,000 vehicle supply deal with Avis Rent a Car at the Fleet Show.

The 12-month deal will see the range of Vauxhall's cars being supplied throughout the rental company's UK network.

Jeff Peyton-Bruhl, Camden Corporate corporate sales director, puts the signing down to a longstanding relationship he has with Avis.

Prior to joining Camden, he was national sales and rental manager at Rover and dealt with Avis throughout the 10 years he spent in the post.

"The supply deal to Avis could get considerably higher than the 8,000 vehicles we've agreed so far. This is a testament to the relationship I have built up with them and is the first big deal I've brought to the table at Camden," he said.

Camden Corporate has supply deals with Thrifty, Practical Car & Rental and National Car Rental.