Mitsubishi Motors Europe (MME) has taken over the distribution of its vehicles in Germany from current distributor MMC Auto Deutschland.

From April, a new company called Mitsubishi Motors Deutschland will distribute all cars and trucks in the country.

MME president Sefan Jacoby said: 'Direct control of a network is not a pattern applicable to all countries, as prevailing local market conditions do vary.

'However, we are convinced that a new and direct relationship with our customers in Germany was needed as it is the largest market in Europe.'

The company has also announced new senior appointments at its Swedish (97% owned) and Danish (100% owned) distributors. The move follows the return to Japan of Masaaki Matsuzaka, managing director for both countries. Thord Hagg will take over as managing director of Sweden and Casper Schultz of Denmark.

This re-organisation mirrors the European Turnaround Plan of Mitsubishi it had previously presented, with emphasis on leaner organisation and better reliance on local expertise for truly customer-oriented and results-driven operations, MME said.

In 2001, Mitsubishi sold 7,377 vehicles in Sweden and 2,305 in Denmark. For 2002, forecasted sales will be 7,600 units and 2,700 units respectively.