Leading truck manufacturer Isuzu Truck UK has announced the addition of JDS Trucks to its nationwide dealer network, with this well known dealer group now handling full sales, service and parts support for Isuzu trucks, from both its long established dealer points in Manchester and Blackburn, with effect from July 1, 2019.
Announcing details of this appointment, Richard Waterworth, Head of Sales at Isuzu Truck UK said, “The Greater Manchester conurbation is a key area for potential sales growth for the Isuzu marque and, by appointing such a well respected and highly thought of dealer as JDS Trucks, this will enable us to quickly increase our market penetration in this important area. With the JDS Blackburn depot also taking on the full Isuzu dealer franchise, this further extends our seamless representation from Manchester right up into Lancashire, as far as Cumbria.”
Richard continues, “In the light of our recent dealer appointments in the south and south west, together with planned future dealer expansion in Scotland, the appointment of JDS Trucks in Manchester and Blackburn demonstrates the strength of the Isuzu truck brand that continues to move forward with strong dealer representation across the whole of the UK. ”
Established in 1965, JDS Trucks Ltd was subject to a management buyout by its current owners in 2009. Headed by dealer principal and managing director Mark Griffiths, JDS Trucks has trebled in size over the past 10 years, through organic growth based on customer service. The addition of the Isuzu truck franchise provides complimentary products with proven reliability and class leading payload.
As Mark Griffiths explains, “We see the Isuzu truck franchise as a serious long-term investment for JDS, as it fully complements the added value service that we give to our customers. The Isuzu reputation within the 7.5t market, which is still very buoyant, is second to none, whilst the 3.5t market is growing significantly year on year and will provide us with big opportunities to expand our customer base into new areas. Isuzu customers will also benefit from our dedicated approach to customer service, as both franchise locations offer evening and overnight servicing and repairs to minimise operator downtime, all of which is backed by same day parts delivery.”
From day one, JDS Trucks has appointed a dedicated Isuzu truck sales manager Dave Cunliffe, who is covering sales from both the Manchester and Blackburn dealerships. Also, the company’s initial investment in the Isuzu truck franchise includes several demonstration models at various GVW’s, as well as substantial technical tooling and initial part stocks.
“Throughout the discussions with ITUK, we have been really impressed by the support that we have had from them, plus being part of such a well-established dealer network nationwide is critical for our customers who operate all over the UK,” added Mark Griffiths.
JDS Trucks Ltd employs around 70 staff at these two dealerships with a six-bay workshop at the 1.25-acre Salford site, together with tacho services, a brake testing centre, and mobile parts and service support 24/7. The JDS Trucks site at Blackburn is also 1.25 acres in size and again has a six-bay workshop, tacho services, brake testing and 24/7 mobile service and parts vans.
