Eleven new dealers have joined Proton Cars' UK network as the Malaysian manufacturer prepares for the launch of an all-new Mondeo-sized car.

Impian, described by Proton as an executive compact saloon, will be available from July at "highly competitive" prices still to be announced. Its suspension has been tuned by Proton subsidiary Lotus.

The marque's first all-Malaysian product will arrive as Proton Cars continues an aggressive dealer recruitment campaign, designed to push the number of franchises from 120 to 160 by the end of the year.

Simon Park, head of network planning at the Bristol-based importer, believes the target is achievable. "Since we flew 70 new dealer prospects to Malaysia two months ago to see the all-new factory in which Impian is made and get a better impression of Proton's vision of the future, our task has been made a lot easier," he said.

Newly appointed Proton dealers include David Meek of Torquay, Norfolk Motor Group of Norwich, Premier Automotive in Duckingfield, Cheshire, Riccardo Emiliani in Lincoln, Hawthorn of Farnham and Mole Valley in Chessington, Surrey.