AN outstanding all-round business performance has won Alexanders Saab the Saab national dealer of the year award.

The family-owned dealership, in Thornaby, Teesside, has been on the same site for the past 52 years, representing the Saab marque for the past 27 of those.

Judging for the annual award involved an assessment of all Saab's 100 franchised dealers.

In order to win the title, Alexanders had to meet or exceed standards across a wide range of business disciplines including customer care, provision of facilities, staff training, after-sales service and good management and sales performance.

Despite difficult conditions in the motor industry, Alexanders sold one in every six executive cars registered in Teesside last year.

Dealer principal David Alexander believes that the dealership has successfully risen to the challenge through a strong combination of teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment.

He said: "Our staff are the main reason we have achieved this award.

"Most of them have worked with us for many years and this continuity of employment means that we have very knowledgeable and experienced staff, who have a genuine enthusiasm for Saab.

"It also enables us to develop close relationships with many of our customers, resulting in the very high customer satisfaction ratings we receive."