MITSUBISHI is bringing together its fleet and retail departments in a major restructuring of its fleet operation.

The new department will increase the business support Mitsubishi gives its 127-strong dealer network. Lance Bradley will head the new department as divisional director, sales operations, having joined Mitsubishi in September from Ford to become general manger, sales operations.

In his new role, he will report directly to Paul Williams, sales and marketing director. Bradley will be responsible for fleet, retail and used car operations.

Former general manager of fleet sales Matthew Cheyne will be responsible for looking after dealers in the south. Roy Hitchman, previously area manager for the Midlands, will look after all Mitsubishi dealerships in the north. Four aftersales managers will be appointed to join the existing dealer support team of eight area managers.

A spokesman said there would be no job losses and that the eight members of the fleet department would be part of the new operation.

He added that the company was aiming to sell 22,500 vehicles by the end of this year and 25,000 units in 2002.