Truck FORCE The Newsletter of Melbourne Isuzu Dealers and Patterson Cheney / Westar Truck Centres Volume 2 Issue 5
Artist’s impression of new Dealership
Current status of construction
View of the workshop exterior & the interior (above).
Australia’s biggest Truck Dealership on schedule for completion in July! Our new Westar Truck Dealership is quickly gathering pace – the entire outer structure is complete and much of the interior’s fixtures and fittings are in place. Shelving for the massive parts store is installed and the individual office partitions are nearing completion. The 42 bay workshop is in the final stages of preparation for fitment of hoists and other servicing related equipment. At this stage, the opening is scheduled for the month of July.
The new Dealership is located in Derrimut, on the corner of Robinson Road and Australis Drive – just 300 metres from the exit and entry ramps to the new Deer Park by-pass. The dealership will handle the full model range of new Isuzu, Western Star and MAN brands – so whether you’re shopping for a light, medium or heavy duty truck, you will be able to get it all under the one roof. We will be providing a full overview of this stunning new Dealership in the next issue of Truck Force.
Isuzu News.......................................... Page 2 New CNG models on display at International Truck & Trailer Show
MAN/Western Star Customer Experiences........................ Page 5 New MANs a big hit with Maxwell Transport
Isuzu Customer Experiences.............. Page 3 ISUZUS. The backbone of VFS’s intrastate freight business
Isuzu D-Max......................................... Page 6 Versatile D-Max ideal for work and leisure
MAN/Western Star News..................... Page 4 New 34” Stratosphere model released
Western Star Specials......................... Page 7
Isuzu Specials..................................... Page 7 Patterson Cheney/Westar News......... Page 8
TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010
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ISUZU | FORMIDABLE
news Melbourne Isuzu Dealers recognised for exceptional standards in customer service We are proud to announce that the Melbourne Isuzu Dealers Group have earned the Isuzu Excellence Dealer Recognition Award 2009. This award recognises our outstanding performance in customer satisfaction, staff training, truck and accessory sales as well as business management. This award reinforces the commitment we have to providing outstanding customer service and we congratulate all our staff on a tremendous effort.
New Isuzu CNG models on display at the International Truck & Trailer Show Visitors from around Australia and overseas attended the recent International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show held at the Melbourne Showgrounds during March 2010. The show is billed as Australia’s biggest truck show. The Isuzu stand was extremely popular, and a large number of people came to view the extensive range of Isuzus on display. Particular interest was shown in the range of Isuzu CNG models. A number of CNG models are available: the NLR 200 CNG suitable for local government operators and express couriers, NPR 300 CNG for parcel delivery and local government fleets and the FSR 700 and 850 CNG for medium duty parcel delivery fleets. Additional models are under consideration for future release. All in all, a great show for both visitors and exhibitors alike.
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TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010
Campbellfield Cnr Hume Hwy & Northbourne Rd | Sam Mangano 0412 067 683 Dandenong 200 Cheltenham Rd | Con Nitsikas 0409 799 948 Footscray 150 Whitehall St | Peter Nunn 0402 432 958
ISUZU | FORMIDABLE
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
Isuzus. The backbone of VFS’s intrastate freight business
Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS) has been operating for 12 years and as the name implies, they specialise in the cartage of general freight overnight throughout country Victoria. Operating out of two Melbourne terminals in Laverton and Dandenong the company also services a network of thirty country agents located across depots in Victoria. Director Chris Collins started with the company as Operations Manager and has witnessed the company expand from a small operation to a major player in the freight transport business. VFS’s Isuzu fleet extends from the smallest NPR 200 right up to the biggest
Giga model. In between they operate models such as FRRs, FVDs, FVLs and the FXL 1500 with the 330hp engine and 16 pallet carrying capacity. They now have around 30 company owned Isuzus on the fleet, coupled with another dozen or so operated by sub-contractors who work regularly with VFS – all fitted with tautliner bodies. Chris’s relationship with Isuzus started around 10 years ago at Patterson Cheney Dandenong before moving to Westar Footscray when VFS’s Laverton terminal
became operational. Chris now deals with Luke Dymott and Ian Deacon at Westar and he describes the service they provide as ‘great’. Looking after both depots plus the country agents leaves Chris with little time and the last thing he needs is to worry about is his trucks – and why the Isuzu’s have been so successful within the fleet.
“Reliability is a byword for Isuzu” said Chris. “I haven’t looked back since buying the first one and wouldn’t hesitate buying them in the future.” “Drivers love them and the latest model is the best truck I’ve ever driven,” Chris went on to say. “It’s not hard to attract good drivers with these latest Isuzus – they look great and are a real showpiece to the fleet,” Chris added. Whilst under warranty the trucks’ servicing is split between the Melbourne Isuzu Dealers – but even for those trucks out of warranty, Chris still insists on using genuine Isuzu parts. “The Saturday after hours service facility at Patterson Cheney Dandenong fits in perfectly with our schedule,” Chris added. Business is going well for VFS, to the extent that they’ve just ordered 2 new FXL 1500s. They are also planning to move into bigger premises in the Western suburbs and as such Chris is looking forward to the opening of the new Westar Truck Centre at Derrimut.
TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010
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MAN|WESTERN STAR
news
New 34” Stratosphere model released As a result of Western Star Trucks Australia’s commitment to design and engineer vehicles for the Australian market, a 4864 FXB with a new 34 inch Stratosphere Sleeper has been released. This model is designed specifically for refrigerated 34 pallet B-Double operation. The new Stratosphere has been engineered to meet the demanding requirements for 34 Pallet refrigerated B Double combinations where swing clearances are crucial. The sides and top sleeper fairings have been shaped to allow more swing clearance between the refrigeration unit and the top and side fibreglass cabin fairings. By contouring the fairings, the chance of contact between the refrigeration unit and cabin is significantly reduced when the combination negotiates deep driveways or dips in the road. A key feature in the design of all Stratosphere sleepers is the significant amount of additional headroom provided in the area between the driver and passenger seats. This headroom allows either driver or passenger to stand up and walk through the cab to the sleeper compartment without crouching or bending. Western Star has designed the new 34 inch Stratosphere specifically to incorporate this vital feature. For more information on this exciting new model please contact your nearest Western Star Dealer.
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TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010
Western Star/MAN display impresses visitors at Truck Show An entire hall was taken up with the huge Western Star/MAN display at this year’s International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show held at the Melbourne Showgrounds during March 2010. The show is billed as Australia’s biggest truck show. Almost the entire Western Star and MAN range was on show including some unique custom painted Western Star models – there was also a huge range of apparel and merchandise material available for purchase. Needless to say the stand was very popular, and a large number of people came to view the models on display. It was a great opportunity for us to catch up with so many current customers and talk to new potential Western Star/MAN owners. All in all, a great show for both visitors and exhibitors alike.
In-house finance tailor-made for Western Star & MAN owners Patterson Cheney/Westar Truck Centres can provide you with an ultra-competitive and flexible finance package for your new truck. With over 15 banks and finance companies offering exclusive deals to Western Star and MAN customers, you can be confident that you’ll get a finance package that’s just right for your business.
Campbellfield Cnr Hume Hwy & Northbourne Rd Sam Mangano 0412 067 683 Dandenong 200 Cheltenham Rd Con Nitsikas 0409 799 948 Footscray 150 Whitehall St Peter Nunn 0402 432 958
In House nationwidefinance.net.au
MAN|WESTERN STAR
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES New MANs a big hit with
Maxwell Transport Drivers
Maxwell Transport was established 10 years ago, commencing operations with just one truck and two trailers. During the interim period the business has achieved considerable growth. The company is involved with the transport of palletised general freight depot to depot across Victoria. To assist in the future growth plans the company
recently went through the process of selecting a number of new prime movers. According to Maxwell’s General Manager, Jason Barnes, the road to selecting the MAN was a little by default. After going through the process of evaluating a number of brands, Jason ended up looking at Western Stars at Patterson Cheney Truck Centre in Dandenong
Patterson Cheney’s Mark Englezos with Jason Barnes, General Manager of Maxwell.
– although he quickly came to the conclusion that a bonneted truck would not suit his requirements. However, serendipity intervened. An MAN TGS 480 demo unit caught Jason’s eye and happened to be available for an immediate evaluation. Jason took the opportunity to put the MAN to work in the fleet – and it quickly became obvious that this was the truck for Maxwell. “The reports we got back from the drivers pretty much sold the truck”, Jason said. “The comfort and quietness of the cab, the performance and the way it drove was so superior to what we had previously test driven. In particular the automatic transmission was a revelation – it was so good to use and just so intuitive,” Jason added. Another important purchase consideration from Jason’s
perspective included the fact that SCR did not have to be used, along with driver acceptance being so high. Jason speaks highly of his purchase experience at Patterson Cheney. “The guys really knew the product well and their response times were great. They bent over backwards for us – nothing was too hard,” Jason went onto say. The final order comprised 3 TGS and 2 TGX 480 models, which were delivered at the start of February. Since then the MANs have performed faultlessly and importantly, the fuel efficiency targets are far exceeding expectations. “In fact, our drivers are so happy with the MANs that they’re waiting for us to order more,” laughs Jason. Given Maxwell Transport’s continued success and expected expansion, they may not have to wait too long!
TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010
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ISUZU D-MAX
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
Versatile D-Max ideal for work and leisure Highfields Transport is involved with the delivery of building materials and garden supplies to customers throughout Victoria including Austral Bricks, Australian Slate and Bristile Roofing. Established 14 years ago, the company operates out of its base in the Melbourne suburb of Rowville. Owner Chris Bray needed a replacement for his 12 year old Ute and looked at all the various models available. “I looked around and tried everything and wasn’t sure what to get. But then I saw the D-Max, took it for a test drive and straight away I knew the D-Max was for me,” Chris said. Chris dealt with Sales Consultant Adam Folino at Patterson Cheney Isuzu Ute in Dandenong. “Adam was great, very helpful and knowledgeable,
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TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010
‘‘
I’m averaging 8.5 litres per 100km which is just phenomenal. Best of all, when you’re towing a trailer there’s no reduction in power” coupled with a great attitude which made the purchase process a real pleasure,” Chris said. “Whenever I drop into the Dealership he always has a smile on his face and has time for a chat,” he added. Chris settled on a 4x4 LS model and went the full monty with the options – leather, reverse camera, sat nav, canopy and all the chrome. “Everything that was available for the Ute I got,” laughs Chris. “But best of all, even with all the additional kit, it was still
around the same price as a more basic competitor’s model – it’s just fantastic value for money,” Chris went on to say. Chris picked up the D-Max in October 2009 and has nothing but praise for the Ute. “The turbo diesel engine is brilliant – great power and plenty of torque but coupled with outstanding fuel economy – I’m averaging 8.5 litres per 100km which is just phenomenal. Best of all, when you’re towing a trailer there’s no reduction in power,” Chris said.
The D-Max is used in a wide variety of roles at work but is also Chris’s vehicle at the weekend and he loves driving it. “My wife loves driving it too – she finds it very comfortable,” Chris added. Chris’s association with Patterson Cheney doesn’t end there, as he has recently purchased a new Western Star truck for the business. It’s a unique model which is fitted with a quad dog trailer allowing Chris to carry loads of 54.5 tonnes which will improve his productivity significantly. The truck was displayed at the recent International truck and trailer show held in Melbourne.
ISUZU|WESTERN STAR
SPECIALS great deals on these ready to work isuzu models NLR 200
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* Whilst Stocks Last – Offer Ends 30th June 2010. Photographs for illustrative purposes only.
Detroit Powered Fleet Spec 1 and 2
Marathon Sale HURRY, STOCK selling fast! • Detroit EGR 14 litre 430-515 HP • Suit prime mover and truck & dog tipper • 50t GCM/40,000lb rear axels – for Single trailer applications • 68t GCM/46,000lb rear axels – ideal for B-Double applications • Choice of wheelbases • 18 speed Eaton transmission
Westar Campbellfield
(03) 9305 3155
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MODELS REMAINING. Patterson Cheney Dandenong
(03) 9703 3333
Westar Footscray
(03) 9689 7611
Tasmania
0418 528 082
TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010
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PATTERSON CHENEY|WESTAR
NEWs
What do these brands have in common?
They’re all sold and serviced by The Patterson Cheney Group Our truck customers are familiar with the Isuzu, Western Star and MAN brands. But what many people don’t realise is just how many other leading automotive brands fall under the Patterson Cheney umbrella. In addition to the aforementioned truck brands, today you can look to Patterson Cheney for Honda, Holden, Toyota cars and recreational vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars and Vans, Isuzu D-MAX,
Honda motorcycles, as well as Honda lawn, garden and power equipment products. And there are a couple of very good reasons why it’s worth talking to us if you’re in the market for any of the above brands. Firstly, because our buying power is so big, we can pass the savings on to you as well as offering you a great range of competitive finance packages. Secondly, you’ll experience the same great service that you’ve
come to expect from any of our ‘other’ Dealerships – we didn’t get this big without looking after our customers, no matter if they’re buying new, used, parts, service or finance. All our staff have an absolute commitment to customer satisfaction – they know what they’re talking about, so you can rely on their advice. So if you’re in the market for one of the brands above, your first stop should be to talk to your existing
‘‘
All our staff have an absolute commitment to customer satisfaction”
truck sales consultant who will point you in the right direction.
STOP PRESS welcome to our New sales consultants We are pleased to welcome Ryan Hardiman and Tony Shaw to Westar Campbellfield where they have been appointed Western Star Sales Consultants. Having a Dad who was as an owner operator and company truck driver it’s no surprise that Ryan has been involved with the transport industry since early in his career. Ryan has held roles in areas including Sales, Logistics and Warranty as well as spending time as a driver. Ryan has recently returned from the USA where he was involved with restoring a truck. Tony is a qualified diesel mechanic and has held a number of training positions with various
Melbourne Isuzu Dealers
• Campbellfield • Dandenong • Footscray
1800 013 200
automotive manufacturers. He worked as a sales representative for Detroit Diesel so there’s not much about diesel engines that Tony doesn’t know. A warm welcome also to Phil Mackay who has been appointed MAN Sales Consultant at Patterson Cheney Truck Centre in Dandenong. Phil grew up in Warragul and was a regular visitor to Trucks in Action so he caught the truck bug early. Phil was initially involved with the hospitality industry but transferred to selling trucks a few years ago and hasn’t looked back. Tony, Ryan and Phil were all attracted by the quality of the Western Star and MAN brands and look forward to assisting customers get exactly the right truck for their needs.
Western Star/MAN Dealer locations Campbellfield Cnr. Hume Hwy & Northbourne Rd, Campbellfield Vic 3061 Tel: 9305 3155
Dandenong 203 – 207 Frankston Dandenong Rd, Dandenong Vic 3175 Tel: 9703 3333
Footscray 150 Whitehall St, Footscray Vic 3011 Tel: 9689 7611
Ryan Hardiman
Tony Shaw
Phil Mackay
Isuzu D-Max Dealer Location 203-207 Frankston Dandenong Rd, Dandenong, Victoria 3175
9703 3333
Disclaimer: All material in this Newsletter is copyright and may not be produced in any format without the written permission of the author. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or transparencies. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. Articles in this Newsletter are published as a service to Isuzu, Western Star, MAN and Isuzu D-Max owners and should not be substituted for specific advice.
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TRUCK FORCE | APRIL 2010