Mitsubishi's British operation, which has avoided controversy surrounding the company's £2.35 billion Japanese bail out, is planning to boost sales by 50% within two years.

Jim Tyrrell, Mitsubishi Motors UK's managing director, says: “The brand must restore its core product DNA, through more sports utility vehicles and cars with driving passion, like the Evo Vlll Lancer.'

“There is nothing to be concerned about for customers, our 146 dealers and UK staff,” he added.

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Tyrrell predicted Mitsubishi vehicle sales would climb from this year's 40,000 units to 60,000 in 2006, including a 'couple of thousand MPVs' as the brand's new Grandis people carrier (pictured right) debuts at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live this week.

Tyrrell claimed only four customers had phoned to express concern about the parent firm's financial problems.

He says: 'We are a very healthy business and among the top four most profitable UK franchises in the UK. We have a raft of new products coming through and we are investing more and more on TV advertising.'

It marks the end of a four-year bid to transform Mitsubishi into a profitable operation by DaimlerChrysler, which no longer has a veto over corporate decisions.