DAEWOO'S fleet expansion is to be boosted by development of the importer's sales network and the launch of new vehicles as a result of links with LDV, General Motors and the takeover of SsangYong Motors. Following the September launch by Daewoo of the Nubira, Lanos and Leganza 1998 fleet sales are running at 265% up year on year excluding Motability and rental business.

Since September almost 4,300 cars have been sold to fleets and Motability - the figure excludes daily rental business - with Leganza accounting for 36% of sales. This year Daewoo expects to sell around 10,000 units into the fleet sector with around 40% going to companies and a maximum of 25% to rental companies and a maximum of 35% to Motability.

Meanwhile, Daewoo is in the process of establishing a network of 26 specialist fleet dealers which should be operational by the end of the year at almost every one of its Motorshow and Car Centre outlets. Those main centres will be boosted by 40 mini-showrooms by the end of the year leaving about 75 support centres adjoining Halford stores.

Last year Daewoo sold 21,822 cars in the UK to take a 1% market share and it is aiming to double both its sales and market share early into the next decade.