Even though January's UK new car market was down by 9 per cent overall, Mitsubishi has reported continuing sales success – the company's 1,343 passenger car sales during the month represent a rise of 5 per cent.

Combining passenger cars and L200 Pick Ups sales, Mitsubishi sold a total of 2,291 vehicles in January – 20 per cent more than January last year which itself was a record to any year.

The Mitsubishi Carisma, Shogun Pinin, Shogun Sport, Shogun and L200 models all sold more in January 2003 than they did in the same month last year.

Mitsubishi's UK sales and marketing director Lance Bradley says: "The buying pattern of 2002 is continuing into the new year and we are seeing customers attracted to our products because of their very competitive prices, added value specification supported by attractive purchase finance options and, of course, free servicing on most models.”