Mitsubishi's aggressive plan to expand its automobile dealer network to prepare for future growth has received a good response from both existing dealers and the new investors, according to the Japanese automaker.

Existing dealers are being encouraged to accelerate expanding their outlets to reach more customers in the major provinces, while new investors are being supported to open new facilities.

The plans announced in 2010 call for the Japanese carmaker to open 200 showrooms and service centres by 2013 to support growth in the years to come, especially the expected brisk sales of its eco-car in Thailand.

The Mitsubishi eco-car, to be built at the Laem Chabang plant now under construction in Chon Buri, will be launched next year. The new plant, costing 16 billion baht, will have an initial capacity of 150,000 cars per year, which will rise to 200,000 units in the near future.

"Not only are we preparing to introduce the new models, but our dealer network expansion aims to strengthen operations and provide the customers more convenience when buying Mitsubishi automobiles in both Bangkok and upcountry," said Atsushi Seino, vice-president for domestic sales at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand.

Mitsubishi has opened more than 40 new showrooms and service centres since it announced plans to expand its dealer network early last year.

The company currently has 97 dealers along with 150 standard service centres nationwide, of which 41 are located in Bangkok and surrounding provinces and 109 in other provinces.

Mr Seino said the company was confident it would have 160 service centres by the end of this year and 200 by 2013.

Nobuyuki Murahashi, president of Mitsubishi Motors, said the dealer network expansion had created a tremendous impact on the company's automobile sales.

In the first eight months of this year the company sold 47,061 units, 12% of which were sold through new or expanded dealerships.

Mitsubishi also set up a new unit to oversee the operations and services of both existing and new dealers to help maintain its brand image and service standard.