CV dealers: Changes in the dealership sector

Over recent months there has been a lot of activity in the truck and van dealership world, with a series of ownership changes announced, new dealers appointed and company reorganisations.

For example, Daimler Truck UK and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation recently appointed Fuso Truck UK as the new general distributor for Fuso vehicles in Great Britain.

Under the arrangement, Fuso Truck UK has assumed responsibility for sales and customer services for the Japanese truck brand.

This new business will be dedicated and concentrate only on the Mitsubishi product range, with a service focused dealer network.

Fuso Truck UK, headed by Chairman and Owner, Sid Sadique OBE, and Managing Director, David Hamer, operates from the Wentworth Park complex in Barnsley.

The company will also work with a newly appointed dealer network, details of which will be announced later, along with its wider UK market strategy.

It forms part of the reorganisation of Fuso’s European operations following the integration of the Fuso and Hino brands under new holding company Archion.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation said the UK appointment would “Strengthen its European sales and service network and reaffirm its long-term commitment to customers in Great Britain.”

The move follows a period of collaboration between Daimler Truck UK and Fuso Truck UK to prepare for the transfer of responsibility.

Fuso Truck UK also plans to establish a key accounts team to support fleet operators from its Barnsley base, with further senior management appointments to follow.

Meanwhile, Daimler Truck UK will continue as the official UK importer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, including Unimog.

Richard Skidmore, Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK, said: “Throughout the transition process, both organisations have worked closely together to establish a strong operational framework that supports customers, dealers and business partners.

“We are confident that Fuso Truck UK is well positioned to build on the brand’s established presence in the market and deliver continued growth in the years ahead.”

Also, Vehicle Dealer, Clive Sutton has announced that it will oversee a five-site UK retailer network for GM Specialty Vehicles.

The trucks and SUVs will be supplied directly by General Motors, with Clive Sutton managing imports, homologation, logistics, vehicle preparation and distribution to retailers as fully prepared, retail-ready products.

Appointed dealers under the agreement are Cambria Automobiles’ Grange premium dealerships in Birmingham and Edinburgh and Unity Automotive in Oxford.

Also part of the arrangement is ACE American Autos in Leeds, as well as Clive Sutton itself, with its flagship 17,000 sq ft dealership in north west London.

Clive Sutton said each retailer will also have access to dedicated digital retail tools and direct vehicle supply.

The GM Specialty Vehicles range includes the Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck.

Luca Patrignani, Managing Director General Motors Europe said: “We welcome Clive Sutton’s efforts to establish a UK retail network for selected Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles.

“The network gives customers across the UK greater access to some of General Motors’ most desirable vehicles, with the newly appointed retail partners helping to ensure consistently high standards throughout the ownership process.”

In addition, truck contract hire and rental business, Alltruck has closed its Loughborough operation as part of plans to create a ‘super site’ at its Nottingham facility.

With locations throughout the East Midlands, and an administrative head office in Leicester, the Loughborough depot has been part of the organisation’s infrastructure since 2007, primarily providing truck maintenance and bodybuilding services.

Maintenance services are now consolidated into the company’s Nottingham operation on the Colwick Industrial Estate, while bodybuilding is outsourced to a supply network.

The company said the result will be more streamlined operations across its entire team – increasing efficiencies, strengthening communication both internally and externally, and ultimately improving the service it provides to customers.

All employees who chose to remain with the business have transitioned or will be transitioning into new roles or locations within the firm’s Nottingham operation, at its Head Office in Croft, or across its bodybuilding supply network.

Established in 1990, Alltruck and its 150 employees supply, manage and maintain some 2000 commercial vehicles for its customer-base throughout the UK.

Josh Robinson, Alltruck Managing Director, said: “Since opening our Colwick site in 2011 we have invested a lot of resources into the facilities there, transforming it into the premium commercial vehicle depot that it is today.

“By consolidating our Loughborough operations into Nottingham, it will truly become a super site, offering our customers truck rental, workshop services and used truck sales all under one roof, as well as our core services of dedicated distribution services, contract hire and fleet management.”

Also, KGM Motors UK has added Derby-based Mertrux – a commercial vehicle specialist with more than 50 years of industry experience – to its growing dealer network.

Located on the West Meadows Industrial Estate, the dealer group has additional sites in Nottingham, Leicester and Mansfield, providing vehicle sales, servicing, parts and aftersales care.

The KGM range includes the Musso pick-up, the fully electric Musso EV, the next-generation Musso Rhino and Rhino+, and the Rexton Commercial Vehicle, alongside KGM’s wider SUV line-up.

Kevin Griffin, Managing Director at KGM Motors UK, said: “Mertrux’s long-standing commercial vehicle expertise makes them an excellent partner for us.

“Their appointment strengthens our representation in Derby and the East Midlands, while giving customers access to a highly experienced team that understands the demands of commercial vehicle ownership.”

The move follows the recent appointment of TC Harrison, based at Wharf Road in Stamford, to the KGM dealer network.

Customers of the Lincolnshire-based dealer benefit from dedicated aftersales services including maintenance, MOTs, accident repair support, and genuine parts and accessories.

Griffin added: “With their Stamford KGM showroom, more customers across the region can now experience the KGM line-up with the confidence of expert support before, during and long after purchase.”

It is encouraging therefore to see truck and van dealer groups continuing to invest in high quality networks, and giving customers an experience and a level of service that matches the reputations of the brands they represent.

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