DEALERS BEAMING AT ISUZU TRUCKS DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The close of a turbulent 2020 saw Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) continuing as Australia’s top selling truck brand, an achievement made possible by the hard work of their nation-wide Dealer Network. Pitted against some incredible operating challenges during 2020, the Isuzu Trucks National Dealer of the Year accolades are not likely to be forgotten any time soon. During their live streamed National Dealer Meeting in February, the brand announced the winners of four award categories in Sales, Service, Parts and the National Dealer of the Year gong. Achieving the coveted awards are no easy feat, with IAL’s Dealer Network one of Australia’s largest and most competitive, featuring more than 70 locations across the country. Winners announced The 2020 Isuzu Trucks National Dealer of the Year saw joint winners, Ballarat Isuzu in regional Victoria and South West Isuzu in Bunbury, Western Australia, share the award. The National Dealer of the Year award recognises the dealerships’ excellence in customer support and performance across all areas of the business including Sales, Service and Parts. IAL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Hiroko Yaguchi, congratulated Ballarat Isuzu and South West Isuzu on their outstanding efforts achieving National Dealer of the Year status. “As we know, the Australian truck market is highly competitive, so to stay at the top requires true dedication from our team across the network—that is what these awards represent,” she said. “We have the very best people in the business, all around this great country. “Congratulations to all the category winners and their loyal teams for a fantastic result in 2020 and for their outstanding customer service.” The two dealerships were also presented awards in other categories, with Ballarat Isuzu taking home Isuzu Trucks Parts Dealer of the Year, and South West Isuzu awarded Isuzu Trucks Service Dealer of the Year. Excellence in the field Both Ballarat Isuzu and South West Isuzu have exceptional performance records, with the former achieving an extraordinary four out of five Dealer of the Year awards in the past five years, and South West achieving the top award for two years running. Ian Deacon, Ballarat Isuzu’s Dealer Principal said, “With the exacting standards of all Isuzu Truck Dealerships around the country, it is truly an honour to be recognised as one of the best dealers in 2020.” “Everyone on the team understands why we are here... ensuring that our customers get the same experience every time they deal with us, no matter who they're dealing with, be it in the Sales, Parts or Service Departments.

IAL Head of Network Development Ben Lasry and Ballarat Isuzu’s Dealer Principal, Ian Deacon

“And we will keep focusing on customer experience for 2021,” said Mr Deacon. Accepting the award alongside Mr Deacon was South West Isuzu’s Dealer Principal, Darren Sprigg, who extended congratulations to Ballarat Isuzu, while thanking his own team. “It is a real honour to be an Isuzu Truck dealer, and co-winning Dealer of the Year for two consecutive years is definitely a thrill and a great testament to my team’s efforts,” Mr Sprigg said. “2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. But we planned for the worst, hoped for the best and did what we could. I believe that’s what got us through to the top again in 2020. “We focus on running a very customer-centric philosophy and of course it helps that we have a truly solid team, with members who have been with us from the very beginning in 2002. “We certainly couldn’t have achieved this without team effort.”

IAL Zone Dealer Sales Manager, Ben Lister and South West Isuzu’s Dealer Principal, Darren Sprigg

Winners overcome tough year for sales Webster Trucks in Launceston shared the crown with South West Isuzu as the joint winners for Isuzu Trucks Sales Dealer of the Year. IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison, congratulated the winners. “A huge congratulations to the teams at Ballarat Isuzu, South West Isuzu, and Webster Trucks,” he said. “To be the number one truck brand in Australia is a privilege we all work hard for, and our annual Dealer of the Year awards give us an opportunity to recognise our Dealer Network who continue to excel in customer support, service and sales. IAL’s new Head of Network Development, Ben Lasry, followed on from Mr Harbison’s comments, lauding healthy competition within the network. “The National Dealer of the Year awards continue to highlight the healthy competitive nature of Isuzu Trucks’ network. “This was particularly poignant last year, where it was more important than ever for our customers to receive the best possible support and experience while buying an Isuzu truck. “We take considerable pride in our dealers’ outstanding achievements here at IAL. “Well done to our winners and all who took part,” he said.