Proton Cars UK is on target to add another 10 dealers to its network of 80 by the end of the year, says Simon Park, sales and marketing general manager.

“Any more would be a bonus,” he adds.

Proton has already added 18 dealers this year and some are outselling those who have held the franchise for a while.

“I am encouraged by the quality of dealers we are now recruiting, and they are much better than some who joined us in the past,” Park says.

“This builds confidence in prospective recruits, and as we build the network, we can sell more cars.”

In January, Proton was aiming for 5,000 registrations this year but this has been reduced by 500 because the Satria, based on the previous Mitsubishi Colt, is not being replaced as early as expected.

Additions to the network include: Arch Proton, Airdrie; Ashby Garage, Lutterworth; Barry Curran Motors, Ramsey, Isle of Man; Chequered Flag of Attleborough, Norfolk; FR Pulleyn, York; Lowerdale Autos, Barnsley; Maple Garage, Mappleton; Massey O’Brien Cars, Holbeach; Otley Motors, Otley; Pilgrims of March; Roys Motor Company of Norwich; Ryders of Warrington; Strachans of Ayr; Threeways Garage, Abergele; and Victoria Garage, Maud.

West End Garage, of Woking, Surrey, takes over from West Park Garage, also of Woking, which gave up the franchise. The two businesses are not connected.