Record sales for Skoda and Isuzu have led to expansion and job creation at family-run Middlesbrough dealership Derek Slack Motors.

The car dealer, which is the last remaining family dealership on Teesside, has tripled its workforce since moving from town centre premises to Cargo Fleet Lane in 2003.

And a “significant” sum is being spent on revamping the showroom and building a new parts department, increasing numbers by a further six, to “invest in the future” managing director Tony Slack told The Gazette.

The company is the longest-established Skoda dealer in the region and is also a 'centre of excellence' for Isuzu pickups.

It also became one of just 25 UK fleet centres for Skoda a few years ago.

Slack decided to partner with Skoda in 1993.

“It's gone from selling 38,000 cars to 76,027 last year, and it was the first time they sold over one million cars globally.

“Skoda developed its five-year plan, and we are right in the thick of that.

“It’s had a great effect on our business. More car sales means more servicing and repairs, and car parts.

“Isuzu has also had its best year since the 90s.

“It all goes hand in hand - they’ve both grown just at the right time. We are investing in the future.

“Our showroom is having a complete makeover, it will look like a new building, and we’ll take on another six staff members.”