DEALERS nationwide are scrambling to sign up for Subaru, with interest in the Japanese all-wheel drive brand at an all-time high. And now the biggest Ford dealership in the North East - Jennings - has taken on the franchise, spending almost £800,000 on its site in Middlesbrough including the first introduction of Subaru's new-look corporate identity.

Subaru currently boasts 87 dealers, including five new appointments this year and ten 'waiting in the wings', according to national franchise development manager, Terry Leach. He said: "Apart from many high-quality applicants, investment in upgraded or new facilities is also exceptionally strong. In addition to Jennings, we have new builds in Cardigan, Fife, Nuneaton and Doncaster.

"There is also major refurbishment planned for Bournemouth, Milton Keynes, Wincanton, Brighton and Basingstoke."

Among the 20 key open points are: Birmingham, Manchester, Watford, Chester and Truro. Meanwhile, Jennings - which also sells Ford, Mazda and Seat from its Middlesbrough location and is the largest, privately owned Ford dealership in the country - feels its new Subaru acquisition will broaden its appeal.