Daihatsu is looking to boost its network by 20 dealers in order to take its current portfolio of 120 to 140.

IM Group Coleshill-based Daihatsu importer has already appointed eight new dealers in the UK this year.

The latest dealer appointments are: Newark in Crewe; Cist and Rattle of Bristol; Eastbourne Daihatsu; Chariton Motor House of Folkestone; Hammonds Halesworth; Downey’s of Newtownards in Northern Ireland; Lime of Leamington and Donnelly in Belfast.

The announcement follows news that Daihatsu has increased its sales in the UK by 32% to 2,232 units compared to 1,685 units over the same period last year.

Paul Hegarty, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors operations director, said: “Dealers are the key to the fortune of Daihatsu in the UK.

“We are looking for committed owner-driver dealers with an excellent reputation in their communities for customer care. For us the dealer creates the opportunity in the marketplace regardless of where they are located. It’s all about attitude.”