Proton Cars has added a further seven dealerships to the network in the third quarter, giving the company a total of 23 new recruits so far this year.

Simon Park, general manager of sales and marketing, said: “Our sales success this year and commitment to dealers is making Proton an attractive proposition to dealers across the country. The success of the Savvy since its launch in January and the new Satria due in 2007 has and will continue to enhance our product range. Our proven success in customer service to both dealers and customers is paying dividends for everyone.”

Nigel Binks, partner at new Proton dealer Pennine Way, said: “Everything is very straightforward with Proton and there was no hidden agenda, which was very important to us. Having a model that is under £6,000 on the range is great and I think the Savvy is a fantastic car. Proton tick all the boxes for us, we have had a good October and are looking forward to a bright future.”

Proton sales are up more than 58% in the year to date and by early September sales for this year had exceeded 2005’s total.

Also the 34th biannual survey of franchised dealers’ views, conducted by the National Franchised Dealers Association, showed the improvements Proton has made in communication and relationship building with its dealer network. Proton was voted top out of 32 manufacturers in 11 of the areas, coming second in a further five areas, third place in two others and fourth place in another three.

Franchised and independent car dealers wishing to discuss the Proton franchise, please contact Simon Fisher on 07900 133426 or email dealer-recruitment@proton.co.uk.

The latest dealers to join Proton include: Pennine Way Garage, West Auckland, Co Durham Sundial Motor Company, Erdington, Birmingham E G Brokenshire & Sons, St Dennis, Cornwall Panda Motors, Landore, Swansea Telfords, Kingstown, Carlisle Peninsula, Aylesbeare, Exeter Howden Proton Centre, Howden, East Yorkshire.