KEIGHLEY-based Colin Appleyard has seen soaring car sales.

The company sold 900 new and used vehicles in the third quarter of the year – up nine per cent on the same period 12 months ago.

The figure was achieved despite the popular Suzuki Alto being discontinued.

Managing director Robin Appleyard said: "There is no doubt our customers appreciate the benefits and value for money of the Suzuki range of cars.

"It was the end of an era when we took delivery of our last Altos in the spring. In the five years since its launch, we sold over 2,000."

Mr Appleyard said the group's strong overall sales trend had continued into the final quarter and the outlook was positive.

"With Suzuki due to launch four new models in the next 18 months we are looking forward to marketing an exciting and developing range," he added.

"Our aim is to press on and make sure we remain Suzuki's number one dealer."

The Colin Appleyard Group was the UK's first Suzuki car dealership.

As well as car showrooms in Keighley, Huddersfield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Shipley, the company also has a multi-franchise motorcycle dealership in Keighley.