Mitsubishi dealers will next weekend take part in a nationwide used car event in a bid to offload the “hundreds” of vehicles received in part-exchange last month.

The event, prompted by record new car sales in September, has been supported by national and local ads, according to a Mitsubishi spokesman.

He said: “The event gives dealers a shop window for their used stock, but it's also an opportunity to convert people to new cars.

“It's another way to get footfall in the showroom, especially as there was no London motor show this year. “It's a tactical market – the way people buy cars has changed.”

Dealers will promote a range of finance packages, including Mitsubishi's 50/50 offer. The finance deals, successful in the new car market, are expected to appeal to former company car drivers.