Is Daihatsu still in the UK market or not? The rumours are continuing to fly around today. Car Dealer Magazine is now reporting that Daihatsu's future in the UK hangs in the balance: "News has reached the Car Dealer Magazine office that Daihatsu cars will no longer be brought into the country by importer IM Group. Car Dealer Magazine has also heard that Daihatsu car dealers are being offered the sweetener of a Chinese car franchise by IM Group instead." A further story refutes rumours that Toyota (which owns a controlling 51.2% stake in Daihatsu) will be taking over UK distribution. Perhaps IM Group is simply looking for alternatives to keep dealers going in a difficult economic climate? Update December 15: Car Dealer Magazine is now reporting that UK Daihatsu dealers are being offered franchises for new Chinese car manufacturer "Great Wall Motors". They are also being offered the option to end their Daihatsu franchise.
