Alexanders Saab has won the Saab National Dealer of the Year award for outstanding all-round business performance. The family owned dealership at Thornaby-on-Tees has represented the Swedish marque for 27 years.

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, service and aftersales operations, management and sales performance.

One year 2000 achievement noted by the judges was that the dealership was responsible for the sales of one in six of all executive cars registered in Teesside – nearly twice the national average, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures.

Dealer principal David Alexander credited teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment for the success. “Our staff are the main reason we achieved this award,” he said. “Most of them have worked with us for many years and this continuity of employment means we have very knowledgeable and experienced staff we have a genuine enthusiasm for Saab.”

Saab has a 100 franchised dealers in the UK. Jonathan Nash, Saab Great Britain managing director, said: “Despite the recent difficult trading conditions in the motor industry, Alexanders is proof that teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment can go a long way.”