Daihatsu’s latest dealership Browns Lane Garage in Coventry is run by John Manning, who, unusually, was born on the premises 74 years ago. John Manning, Browns Lane Garage dealer principal and Paul Hegarty, operations director for Daihatsu Vehicle Distributions

Manning, dealer principal, said: “The site originally included a butcher’s and also a grocer’s shop and I was born above the grocer’s 74 years ago.”

In addition, Browns Lane Garage, had an historic automotive neighbour until recently - the Jaguar car plant, now demolished.

Manning added: “The family eventually turned the shops into a car showroom and I have been here ever since. This has helped us build up a loyal band of customers who have tended to stay with us over the years – very useful in these challenging times.”

The dealership opened a month ago with 10 staff, and has sold 11 new cars.

Daihatsu aims to have appointed 20 new dealers in 2008 and currently has 105 UK showrooms.