Euro Car Parts (ECP) will have 64 sites by the end of the year with four new branches opening in 2009.

The openings at as yet undisclosed locations will extend ECP service to parts of the UK not already covered or improve proximity to areas already serviced.

ECP has also refurbished sites at Oldbury, Aston, Bristol and Manchester this year.

David Bevan, ECP director, said: “In the current economic climate motorists are keeping their cars longer and car maintenance is critical in maintaining their mobility. ECP is pleased to open more branches that will increase the availability of discounted car parts.”

Marketing to consumers is mainly by catalogue mailings, magazine advertising, local radio, e-commerce and in-store displays.

It addresses trade business through trade press, e-marketing, telesales and an 80-strong field sales force.

No acquisitions are planned this year but ECP said it had “funds and management in place to move quickly if sensible opportunities present themselves”.

Last year ECP rescued competitor LSUK from administration without taking due diligence. It became apparent that LSUK was not a viable business and it was closed by ECP with the loss of 600 jobs.

ECP increased its sales by 22% last year to £145 million, with pre-tax profits almost doubling to £6.6 million.

It said it can help dealers to reduce costs and increase margins on all-makes servicing and used car refurbishments as well as help them grow market penetration by distributing all-makes parts alongside VM parts.