The brand manager at Melksham Mitsubishi is celebrating after reaching his successful ten-year milestone with the company.

James Austen joined CCR Mitsubishi, which owns the dealership in Western Way, in August 2004 when he was appointed as a sales executive.

Since then he has worked his way up the ladder to become brand manager, after stints at two of CCR’s other Mitsubishi dealerships in Swindon and Dursley.

The father-of-two, who celebrated his 40th birthday this year, said: “Having just turned 40 and now reached ten years with the company I’ve had two milestones in one year.

“It’s great to have been here ten years and I’m looking forward to another ten years.”

These are exciting times for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, with their headquarters in Cirencester, which was the fastest-growing mainstream car brand last year.

So far in 2014 sales have been equally impressive and are up by 32 per cent on 2013, according to the latest statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Mr Austen said: “Here there’s a real family feel and people know each other.

“I’ve always thought of myself as a loyal employee and CCR Mitsubishi has been loyal to me too.”

CCR Mitsubishi is the largest Mitsubishi dealer group in the UK, with 11 dealerships across the south.