Hammond Group has taken on IM Group's Subaru and Daihatsu franchises at a new dealership in Halesworth following the closure of John Grose’s Subaru site in Ipswich.

AM revealed in May that John Grose disposed of its Subaru and Isuzu business due to lack of demand, after only selling 50 Subarus in a year.

Subaru said it is now "well ahead" of its goal to reach 100 dealers in the UK, with 11 new appointments so far this year and a further eight potential representatives in the pipeline, which would take its total network to 88.

Daihatsu has added eight new dealers this year which takes its network to 103 and wants to reach a maximum of 140. IM Group says it has 16 potential new dealers waiting to sign up with Daihatsu.

Derek Hammond, managing director, Hammond Group, said: "We believe we are opening the business from a position of strength.

"Our revamped website will be up and running by the end of the year and will encompass the new brands, plus on-line parts shops."

Hammond already sells Isuzu, also an IM Group brand, plus Ford, Land Rover and Nissan.