GM Daewoo moved a step closer to completing its retail network with the appointment of eight new dealers, taking the total network to 80.

The target is 90 new outlets by the end of the year with 110 set to come on stream by June 2004. Most have been appointed in major market territories such as central Manchester, south Wales and the Midlands. Dave Moran, franchise development manager, says: “Becoming a Daewoo retailer presents a valuable profit opportunity. Many of our buyers are repeat customers and are very loyal.”

Crucial open points remain in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Leeds and London although GM Daewoo is not considering launching wholly owned sites yet in these areas.

The latest to join are are Bowers Daewoo Manchester, JCT600 in Shipley, Startin Daewoo in Worcester, Autolink Daewoo in West Bromwich and Cresser Cars of Redditch. Hutchings Daewoo of Rhondda Cynon Taff has opened in Wales while Blakes Daewoo opened its doors in Chesterfield.

All new dealers offer the full Daewoo range of products. Sales for October were up 515 per cent from 235 to 1446 taking their year to date total to 10,694 – 25 per cent down on last year's 14,310.