Mitsubishi Motors has appointed Peter Griffiths as general manager - network development with a remit to boost the dealer network from 117 to “a permanent and profitable” 150 outlets.

Mr Griffiths spent 15 months in the dealer operations division where he introduced area managers as dealers' single point of contact.

Expansion will come from appointing dealers in smaller territories, lowering start-up investment costs and accepting more multi-franchised outlets.

Mitsubishi is also planning to persuade existing retailers to invest in a second dealership - at present one group has three outlets and eight have two.

Mr Griffiths pointed to “excellent profit opportunities” with the Red Zebra used car programme and new Mitsubishi models as reasons for dealers to take on franchises.

“Despite all the current debate about Block Exemption and e-commerce, we are convinced there is a long-term, sustainable role for the traditional dealer,” he said.