Leighton Car Company picks up national dealer award

The Leighton Car Company, the Suzuki franchise dealer based in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, beat off stiff competition from the remainder of the Japanese manufacturer’s retail network in the UK to claim Suzuki’s annual National Dealer of the Year award for 2008. Dealer Principal Philip Haupt was handed the trophy at the recent Suzuki dealer conference at the ICC in Birmingham, West Midlands.

145 Suzuki authorised franchise dealers for the UK were judged on a strict set of criteria including annual sales and overall performance for the last 12 months. Following the acquisition of the existing Braylake Car Company at the end of 2007 by the Leighton Car Company, the new Suzuki retailer re-structured the business and registered one of the strongest sales volumes in the network for the following year.

Furthermore, Vehicle Technician Richard Portway finished in second place in the National Suzuki Master Technicians of the Year competition run by the Japanese manufacturer, rounding off a very successful 2008.

The Leighton Car Company has equally reported an encouraging start to 2009 trading, with the Swift hatchback model proving to be one of the more popular purchases, as many motorists look for a car which provides superior fuel economy and low emissions. In addition, the Suzuki dealer is registering strong interest from both existing and new customers in the forthcoming Alto city car.

Commenting on the award, David Seward, Director of Sales and Marketing, Suzuki GB, explains: “The accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of the Leighton Car Company during the past 12 months, who was instrumental in significantly increasing the profitability of the site. It has set an example of what can be achieved despite a notable decline in the sector.”

For further information on the Suzuki automobiles, visit suzuki4.co.uk