Hyundai is poised to expand the Direct 2 You initiative in a bid to fill open points in its UK dealer network. Direct 2 You, launched a year ago in a joint venture with Platts Hyundai of High Wycombe, is a 'virtual showroom' concept that minimises dealer investment.

David Walker, Hyundai UK managing director, said: “We are looking at where else we might wish to replicate the initiative. It has a low cost of entry so we can afford to take a chance.

“We have a lot of smaller dealers and these types of initiatives will have to be the solutions in areas that are difficult to fill.”

Hyundai has 156 UK dealers, and around 14 open points. (December 13, 2001)