Toyota GB has signed its 10th retailer to be funded under a programme that backs entrepreneurs with an eight-year loan, and plans a total of 15 within two years.

Paul Philpott, Toyota GB commercial director, says the sponsored operator programme – started in 2002 – is an important aspect of network reorganisation.

“Toyota executives in Japan have taken a great interest in the programme,” says Philpott, who decined to reveal the names of the sponsored retailers.

Annual growth in sales of 8-10% is the basis of Toyota's ambitions in the UK from a network of around 210 outlets (cut from 200 to 182 in 2003). These would be operated by 85 retail groups.