Hodgson Toyota Gateshead has appointed Neil Metcalf as its new service manager.

Metcalf has held positions with Bentley, BMW and Honda and will oversee the running of the service department which includes service supervisors and the technical and delivery team at the Derwenthaugh Road site.

David Lowes, group manger and central principal at Hodgson Toyota said: “Metcalf is an important and strategic appointment for us as it will further strengthen the quality available at Hodgson.

“His previous experience is valuable and I’m sure he will bring fresh thinking to the role enabling us to sustain and improve our service levels.”

The appointment of Metcalf comes weeks after Hodgson announced a drive to increase staff numbers by 10% this year to maintain high service standards.

The growth will take family-owned Hodgson to a workforce exceeding 150 employees, the highest in the company’s 30 year history. The recruitment drive will be focused on taking on staff in sales, admin, parts and technical.

With a current sales turnover of around £58million, Hodgson operates Toyota, Suzuki and Mazda dealerships in Newcastle and a Toyota franchise in Gateshead. A second franchise in Gateshead will bring a £15m boost of additional revenue taking the company over the £70m mark.

Neil Metcalf joins family-owned Hodgson Toyota Gateshead