Daihatsu fills open point
March 6th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
DAIHATSU has made another dealer appointment, with Welch Group joining the Japanese brand’s retailers.
New and used cars will be sold from the site, which started trading 70 years ago as Welch’s Transport Ltd.
It’s long been associated with Daihatsu importers International Motors, and will use its 10 staff to expand the small car brand’s coverage east.
Dealer principal Jim Welch said: ‘We are delighted to be appointed to a franchise which allows us to work in partnership with, and that is synonymous with, reliable, low-polluting and economical compact cars.’
He saw it as a Good News story. ‘Despite the challenging trading conditions, we hope to not only generate repeat business from satisfied customers, but also to win new converts.
‘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 testing times.’
Daihatsu operations director Paul Hegarty visited the site, and was pleased to be making the appointment. ‘Global environmental issues, social changes, and shifts in consumer values are all combining to put compact cars in the spotlight.
‘This is an age with many issues. Big is not better anymore. Rather, small is smart. Our cars are friendly to the environment as well as being people-friendly.
His aspirations are big. ‘As a company, we are practical, innovative and imaginative, and we aim to become the world’s leading compact car maker.’
Daihatsu’s UK retailer network now numbers 98, having signed up 20 new dealers in 2008 alone.
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