Mercedes-Benz dealer Ciceley Commercials has won the manufacturer’s prestigious ‘dealer of the year title’ for the second year running.

The company, which represents Mercedes-Benz in Cumbria, Lancashire and South West Scotland, beat stiff competition from 18 other franchisees to take the coveted trophy in recognition of its commitment to the highest levels of customer service, and the consistent excellence of its performance in the truck and van sales, and aftersales arenas during 2013.

Ciceley won the same title last year, along with two further awards in other categories.

Dealer principal Mike Lewis collected Ciceley Commercials’ latest award from Michael Kamper, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and ex-Formula 1  ace David Coulthard, at a ceremony held at the Mercedes-Benz World brand experience centre in Brooklands, Surrey.

Lewis said: “Once again I have to pay tribute to all 200 members of the Ciceley Commercials team. This award reflects a magnificent effort by colleagues working across all areas of the business, and it’s no exaggeration to say that every single one of them has played a part in our success.

“It’s a great honour to lift this trophy for a second consecutive year. It’s something of a cliché, but nevertheless very true, to say that getting to the top is one thing, but staying there is even harder.

"Building on the success of last year, against some very strong competition from across the Mercedes-Benz Dealer network, was a superb accomplishment and I’m overjoyed that all of the hard work we put in has been recognised.”

A long-standing member of Mercedes-Benz UK’s commercial vehicle network, Ciceley Commercials is also responsible for the sale and support of trucks and vans bearing the famous three-pointed star, as well as popular FUSO Canter light trucks.

In addition to its head office in Blackburn, the company has a dealership nearby, at Junction 4 of the M65, and others in Bolton, Carlisle and Dumfries.

Its workforce includes sales executives, factory-trained technicians, parts specialists, and administrative and support staff.

Ciceley Commercials has invested heavily in its facilities over recent years, to ensure it is best placed to deliver the industry-leading service levels for which the Mercedes-Benz brand is renowned.

Ciceley recently completed a major refurbishment of its Bolton dealership and this site, as well as its Blackburn facility, includes an Authorised Test Facility (ATF) bay in which heavy truck MoTs are carried out by officials from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Michael Kamper, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, added: “In order to win this highly desirable award the partner needs to display consistently high levels of performance in all key areas of the business.

"Ciceley, for the second year in a row, has continued to exceed the standard requirement in all areas and truly deserves to be crowned once again as Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealer of the Year.”

Picture caption: Motorsports TV presenter Lee McKenzie and David Coulthard flank representatives of the successful Ciceley Commercials team, and Mercedes-Benz Trucks managing Ddirector Michael Kamper.