Daihatsu has confirmed that it no longer expects to import any new cars to the UK and will pull out of Europe completely by January 2013.

The industry has known for some time that no new Daihatsus have been imported to the UK. 

Dealers have struggled with supply problems for over a year with UK importer IM Group unable to get models here for a profitable rate.

The company stated: “This is due to the ongoing strength of the Japanese yen, which has increased prices beyond competitive levels.

"There is no stock of new Daihatsu cars in the UK, and we do not expect to import any new cars in this interim period.

"However, we wish to reassure Daihatsu owners that all after sales services will continue unaffected. Therefore, the supply of spare parts will continue, and warranty work and servicing will be carried out at our official UK dealer network, which remains in place. We thank Daihatsu customers for their past custom and loyalty, and share their disappointment at this news."

Many Daihatsu dealers will now be looking at taking on China’s Great Wall franchise which is also being imported by IM Group. Great Wall is looking for a minimum of 50 dealers to start with but could appoint up to 75.

Paul Hegarty, Great Wall UK managing director, said: “Daihatsu dealers were our first port of call, but we’ll also be looking at other owner operators as potential candidates for the franchise.”