MAL LONGSTAFF has been promoted to after-sales manager, having spent 24 years servicing cars at Benfield Fiat, in Newcastle.

The 47-year-old started at the Benfield dealership as a workshop apprentice, and occupied various positions in the service department before his promotion.

He said. "As after-sales manager, I oversee 20 people throughout the service department.

"Many of my colleagues are people I have worked with for several years and I couldn't be happier to be part of such a knowledgeable team.

David Morallee, general manager at the Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership said: "As an Alfa Romeo enthusiast himself, Mal shows a passion for the job that is a pleasure to see and I can think of no better person to occupy his present position.

"Mal has a level of experience that makes him one of the finest technical experts on all aspects of vehicles and fully deserves his promotion."

Benfield Motor Group has 26 dealerships throughout the North and employs more than 1,200 people.