International Motors Ltd has said it’s in advanced discussions to take over the Mitsubishi UK after-sales business in the autumn.

International Motors Ltd has said it’s looking to acquire the Mitsubishi UK after-sales business to grow its parts and accessories operation

The move comes after Mitsubishi announced in summer 2020 that it was freezing the development and introduction of new models for Europe including the UK, instead focusing on the ASEAN markets and shifting its strategy from expansion to concentration.

Mitsubishi said earlier this spring it would sell its existing range of vehicles until the autumn at which point it would transition into an aftersales-only business to ensure the 400,000 Mitsubishi vehicles on UK roads receive full support in terms of maintenance and aftersales.

Now, International Motors Ltd – part of Midlands-based automotive, property and finance business IM Group and the current official UK importer for Subaru and Isuzu vehicles – has said it’s looking to acquire the after-sales business to grow its parts and accessories operation. This would also enable it to engage with a broader customer base “for whom the Subaru and Isuzu ranges should be a perfect fit”.

For Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, the deal would ensure the quality of service it provides to its customers and its dealer network would be maintained well into the future, according to International Motors.

It added that the Mitsubishi Motors in the UK after-sales operation could be integrated with relative ease into the existing International Motors parts distribution business and IT infrastructure.

Andrew Edmiston, managing director, IM Group, commented: “We are widely recognised for our award-winning customer service and we are confident that we will be able to offer the high quality of service Mitsubishi customers are accustomed to. We have a longstanding relationship with Mitsubishi Corporation and a good track record of representing Japanese brands in the UK market. This fits perfectly with our long-term strategy to expand our automotive business.”

Commenting on the plans, Rob Lindley, managing director of the Colt Car Company, which has imported and distributed Mitsubishi since 1974, said: “There is an excellent fit between the Mitsubishi Motors brand and International Motors. They, too, are deeply committed to taking great care of their customers and I feel very confident that IM will be an outstanding long-term partner to our Mitsubishi dealers too.

“Once the due diligence process has been completed, the team at the Colt Car Company will work hard to ensure that the transition is a success, thereby ensuring the best possible outcome for our employees, dealers and customers.”

More details will be announced in due course, pending a successful conclusion.