Manufacturer and dealer interest in Motability sales has grown during 2009, according to motor industry consultancy Network Automotive.

The company said that there was increasing recognition that the scheme offered a recession-resistant route to sales.

Managing director Colin Bruder said: "During the recession, Motability provides a means for dealers to access ongoing, profitable business that is comparatively unaffected by the difficulties that are devastating other parts of the car market.

"Of course, some manufacturers say they have pulled back from the Motability sector because pricing is very competitive at the entry point. However, from our observations, the general level of new car sales has fallen very little.

Bruder said dealers were keen to learn more about the Motability scheme, how to market to potential customers and how to operate scheme processes.

He explained: "Motability is a specialised market and very few manufacturers and dealers find sustained success without some external help. We are finding that, at the moment, they are increasingly asking for advice and practical support.

"This interest is coming from those who want to sell new cars but there is also a growing realisation that Motability aftersales can be potentially very profitable."