Eight top-performing car and truck dealers were recognised for their business and customer-care excellence at the annual Mitsubishi Motors Diamond Dealer awards.

Success in the 2009 automotive industry required dedication and a lot of hard work – two qualities celebrated by Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand in the achievements of its top dealers.

Selected from over forty car and truck dealerships nationwide, this elite group received the coveted Diamond Dealer distinction at a Napier awards ceremony on March 5.

“These guys are 2009’s best and brightest,” said general manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins. “Last year was definitely no walk in the park and our Diamond Dealers displayed the core strength of their businesses - their ability to adapt and their focus on setting and achieving goals.

“Their dealerships are now perfectly positioned to take advantage of the rebounding market, reflected by the sales surge the Mitsubishi brand enjoyed in February,” said Mr Wilkins.

The 2010 Diamond Dealers are : Keith & Vicki Andrews (Keith Andrews Trucks), Whangarei; Simon & Carolyn Lucas (Simon Lucas Mitsubishi), North Shore; Grant & Kerry Simpson (Andrew Simms Mitsubishi), Auckland; Darrel & Catherine Russel (Piako Mitsubishi), Piako; Tom & Amy McVerry (McVerry Crawford Mitsubishi), Palmerston North; Alan & Helen Mexted (Mexted Mitsubishi), Tawa; Gareth Evans (Donnithorne Simms Mitsubishi), Christchurch; Stephen & Diane Duff (Stephen Duff Mitsubishi), Dunedin.