Mitsubishi UK says its dealers are achieving the better profits than last year.

In Q1 2011 85% of UK Mitsubishi dealers made a profit, compared to 73% in the same period in 2010.

It also reports that network profitability is best in the company's history, as the top quartile is achieving more than 5% return on sales.

AM asked Mitsubishi for a figure for the overall network average, however it declined, stating it did not know how the industry figures compared with its own so would not publish them.

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s managing director, said: "The first item on my agenda at every dealer meeting is their profitability, so it is very pleasing to see that our focus has not only secured an increased profit for the average Mitsubishi dealer, but that 25% of our UK dealers are achieving ROS in excess of a staggering 5%.

"Dealer profitability will continue to be a key focus for us moving forwards."

Mitsubishi's UK new car registrations were 17% up in Q1 2011 from Q1 2010.