Subaru and Isuzu importer International Motor Group (IM) is in advanced talks with the Colt Car Company (CCC) to take on the Mitsubishi Motors in the UK aftersales franchise this autumn.

Franchisees from the Japanese car retail network, which is set to transition to a wholly aftersales operation as new car sales end at the end of this year, were informed of the move in a meeting with CCC this lunch time (May 17).

A letter issued to retailers subsequently revealed that Mitsubishi's current aftersales director, Toby Marshall, would lead CCC's established aftersales team under an IM-operated franchise. 

The letter also sought to dispel any suggestions that Mitsubishi's new car franchise could continue in the UK, despite the change of operator.

But while retailers reacted with “some surprise” to the move, others continued to speculate that it could yet see a continuation of Mitsubishi’s new car sales.