Nigel Exelby, group finance director with the Yorkshire-based Audi and Volkswagen dealers, Massingberd Group plc, has been named Audi Dealer Accountant of the Year.

The accolade in the 1998 Abacus awards comes as the group announces a £3.5 million investment in a new Audi centre in Harrogate and the revamping of its Volkswagen outlets in Northallerton, Harrogate and Otley.

It is the third year of the Abacus awards which are organised by Automative Services Europe, specialists in business management systems for the motor industry, with Automotive Management magazine. Mr Exelby joined the Massingberd Group in 1991 and was appointed group finance director two years later.

The group's dealerships generate a turnover of more than £40 million.

He received his award of a crystal decanter at a ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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