The British Independent Motor Trade Association (BIMTA) has criticized Mitsubishi’s settlement of a two-year lawsuit with 11 grey importers who agreed last week to stop selling the brand’s cars under three years old in the UK.

"It's the first time anyone has controlled the sale of used cars,’ said Richard Moore, BIMTA's general secretary. ‘It's hugely dangerous for the industry."

Litigation between Mitsubishi Motors importer Colt Cars began in November 2005, originally involved 15 defendants, but two of these ceased trading and two declined to join the settlement agreed by the remaining 11.

BIMTA represents around 150 non-franchised dealers, and others offering supporting car import services.