Daihatsu saw its UK dealer network grow at the rate of one new dealer a week in the first three months of 2004. At the same time, sales of its 'greener' city cars have continued to outstrip last year's.

In the first three months of 2004, Daihatsu opened 12 new dealerships, one for each working week. Two more showrooms, due to open within the next two months, will bring its total UK dealer network to 104.

During the same three-month period, sales of Daihatsu's compact cars have continued to overtake 2003's figures.

March 2004 sales were up by nearly a quarter (23.24%) on March 2003, which left Daihatsu's first quarter sales more than a third higher (36.93%) than 2003.

Operations director Paul Hegarty says: "After such a solid start to the year, we are now working hard to ensure we maximise the next big event in this year's automotive calendar, the International Motor Show Live, which runs at the NEC Birmingham from May 27 to June 6.