Although the company shies away from specifying actual volume sold, and declines to detail annual turnover, it says the boost comes on the back of a 50 per cent increase in stock availability, a 50 per cent rise in UK workforce numbers and improvements in technical support.

"We continue to maintain the best pick rate in the business - 95 per cent," claims Tim Rahill, country manager for the UK and Eire. Delco Remy's highlights of 2002 included a 60 per cent rise in heavy duty sales, the launch of a CD-Rom product identifier, new brake caliper range, new remanufactured steering range, and rotating electrics targets "exceeded beyond targets and expectations", adds Rahill.

"We're not stopping there," he says, hinting at a raft of new product launches throughout the coming year. "We're confident that in 2003 we will double the 2002 volume and we are putting in place a major campaign at installer level to help us achieve this."

The bullish announcement comes as Delco Remy launches a new replacement ignition lead range, comprising 65 single leads, 22 universal leads and more than 550 OE-type lead sets. The new range, which comes with a 12-month warranty, is supported by a catalogue with identifier line drawings and cross-reference to competitor products. Rahill describes pricing as "aggressive in the market".

Delco Remy offers ex-stock availability and next day delivery through its Hadley Heath HQ.