KWIK-FIT is on target to more than double its size to operate 5,000 outlets across Europe by 2005 after opening 420 service points in the last 12 months. The number of specialist fitting centres and mobile fitting vehicles under the Kwik-Fit banner has risen to 2,327, with 18 new outlets added to the group with the acquisition of Winterstoke Tyres and Exhausts and of AutoFit in Holland in July.

The fast-fit company's aggressive expansion programme to broaden its range of services received a major boost when Kwik-Fit acquired automotive windscreen specialist Silver Shield Windscreens in December last year.

Chairman and chief executive Sir Tom Farmer said: 'Having achieved our goal of operating through 2,000 service points by the year 2000, we are continuing to aim for 5,000 within the next five years.

'We will open new sites in all the markets in which we operate and we are looking to open in new markets in Europe as soon as the opportunities present themselves.'