The annual event, sponsored by Experian, is now in its third year and provided dealers planning to take on new franchises a unique opportunity to test drive the latest generation cars and discuss open point opportunities with manufacturer franchising teams.

Dealer Drive was once again held at the Millbrook Proving Ground with visitors able to test drive the latest products from key brands around the venue's purpose-built hill route and high speed bowl.

A highlight of this year's event was the first UK public drive of Ford's new generation Mondeo ahead of it going on sale this month.

Other vehicles making their UK public debut included Chrysler's forthcoming upper-medium Avenger, Daihatsu's Materia city car and Citroen's C-Crosser, the French brand's first foray into the 4X4 SUV sector.

Ford, making its Dealer Drive debut, used the event to launch its national dealer recruitment programme aimed at filling rural open points.