DORSET-based Daihatsu dealership Derek Warwick, owned by the former Formula 1 racing driver, has been awarded corporate dealer status as part of Daihatsu's bid to increase its share of the fleet market. It is one of eight new corporate dealerships in the UK, geared to offering businesses specialist finance packages, fleet prices and a comprehensive fleet of demonstration vehicles.

David Elphick has been recruited to head up the operation, marketing Daihatsu vehicles to businesses in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall. The main vehicles which will be marketed to companies are the Hijet vans and Fourtrak off-roaders.