Secondhand cars are set to play a key role in a fresh plan to expand the level of business across the Audi retail network.

Despite selling around 50,000 used models in 2010, the German brand’s UK dealers are being urged to make greater inroads in the market for previously-owned examples.

In an attempt to boost forecourt stocks, Audi UK is asking if it can set up buy-back deals with the contract hire and leasing companies that account for more than half its annual registrations.

Audi UK director Jeremy Hicks said: “We’d love to buy back our cars and to this end we’re working actively with the companies.

“We expect to do good business with new cars this year, but significant opportunities exist for used cars and particularly those that are under three years old.

“We have strong residuals and people who specialise in used cars want to buy Audi models for resale. There are customers out there who want our cars and our network should be doing this business.

“Supplying this demand is at the top of my agenda. There’s scope for growth and expansion in this area will be good because it promises to bring more people into the brand.”