2003 saw a year-on-year increase in new members of almost 100% for the Institute of the Motor Industry. There were some 2,000 successful applications during the year, bringing the IMI's total membership to just under 25,000.

The launch of a number of membership recognition agreements with manufacturers, as well as its new Quality Assured Awards (QAA) programme, has contributed to the growth in membership recruitment, says the IMI. This has been boosted further by the introduction of new member benefits including a Continuing Professional Development Programme (CPD), job seeker advice service and a range of technical and management training courses with major industry partners.