CarGurus' annual Top Rated Dealer accolade has been awarded to 50% more car retailers in 2018, highlighting the "great job dealerships are doing".

Now in its second year, the Top Rated Dealer awards recognise dealerships that have offered outstanding customer service withg a star-rating based on more than 11,000 car-buyer reviews.

CarGurus’ vice president of European sales, Wendy Harris, said: “To have so many Top Rated Dealers in 2018, based on feedback from thousands of car-buyers, shows just what a great job dealerships are doing.

“Of course, many have long been providing exceptional customer service, so through dealer reviews we are simply providing an easily-visible way to showcase this.”

Nearly a quarter on CarGurus' Top Rated Dealer list achieved an average five-star rating, highlighting the excellent level of service across the industry.

Jason Cranswick, commercial director at Jardine Motors Group, was celebrating multiple awards for teams across the country.

He said: “The fact that this award comes down to actual customer reviews is validation that our teams go that extra mile for our customers around the country.”

Bushey Heath Hyundai’s managing director, Jonathan O’Donoghue, said: “Our absolute priority is the customer, we understand you only get one chance to get it right. Get it wrong and you’ll never see them again.

"Seeing customers leaving positive reviews of their experience with us is extremely satisfying, and a constant reminder that we can't let our standards slip."

Chris Roach, founder member IMDA (Independent Motor Dealers Association) Auto Trade Associates (ATA) & Chequers Cars, Lightwater, echoed his counterparts’ thoughts. He said: “To be a Top Rated Dealer shows that we are doing our jobs correctly, selling excellent quality cars and looking after our customers.”

The Top Rated Dealer awards are available to CarGurus’ free and paying dealers.  

Imperial Car Supermarket Southampton's operations director, Neil Smith (pictured left), who collected the award, said: “We invest a huge amount of time and effort ensuring consumers that come into the dealership are given a first-class customer experience.

"It’s really pleasing to see that these efforts have been formally recognised by CarGurus.”

All dealers that meet criteria for our Top Rated Dealer awards receive a badge to display in the window of their dealership and a digital badge to use on their own website.

Paying customers also receive a Top Rated Dealer plaque to display in their dealership.