Mitsubishi’s 110 UK dealers will all become electric vehicle (EV) centres before the end of this year.

The approved dealerships will have two EV sales personnel as well as aftersales technicians.

This means the entire network will be prepared to sell the i-Miev and Mitsubishi’s first plug-in hybrid which will arrive in the UK within the next 18 months.

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors UK’s managing director, reiterated Mitsubishi’s intentions to continue to promote and establish the EV and plug-in hybrid technology in the UK market place.

He said: “Staff will undertake an extensive training programme so that there is a very clear understanding of the demands and requirements of electric vehicles for consumers, as well as an awareness of the wider industry issues relating to the EV marketplace.

“Their aftersales departments will comply with compulsory manufacturer training and require spe-cialist tools to enable their service and maintenance.”

All Mitsubishi EV centres will have i-Miev demonstrator vehicles that will be available for customers to properly test and experience over a prolonged period so they can discover for themselves what it is like to drive and ‘own’ an electric vehicle in real-life conditions.

This will make Mitsubishi the largest EV dealer network in the UK providing sales and aftersales coverage.

Mitsubishi’s announcement follows Renault’s confirmation that 21 of its dealers will be electric vehicle specialists. All 135 will sell EVs in 2013.

The French brand is installing medium speed chargers for customers to use free at the EV sites.

Mitsubishi said its customers are welcome to charge cars at dealerships using three-pin domestic-speed charging facilities, but it has no plans to install fast charging points.

Mitsubishi will also launch an approved used car programme that will go live on February 1.

The Mitsubishi Approved Used Car Programme will offer a 30-day vehicle exchange, a 12-month vehicle warranty, a multi-point vehicle check, a vehicle history check and drive away insurance.

The Japanese brand said the new programme will provide its network of dealers with the opportunity to increase used car sales volumes and profitability.

Bradley said: “In a tough economic climate, good quality, reliable used cars are important to both dealers and customers alike.”

Bradley believes the used car programme will give customers peace of mind and it will help to guarantee used car retail stan-dards in Mitsubishi showrooms across the UK.

Mitsubishi will be launching a revamped stock locator via its main consumer website with the added bonus of mobile and Facebook functionality.