Mid-South Canterbury truck market 'buoyant', dealer says
Oakwood Motor Group says its decision to purchase the Isuzu Truck sales division of Smallbone Mid and South Canterbury is an endorsement of the local economy. The purchase, which will be finalised next month, was another stage in their history, Oakwood Motor Group managing director John Marsh said. Weve been lining this up for sometime, but obviously Covid-19 delayed things somewhat, Marsh said. At this stage, we cant say what changes to staff there will be, but Timaru customers can be assured that they will be part of a bigger operation, and will receive more efficient service. READ MORE: * Coronavirus: Free rents for some as small businesses brace for four-week struggle * Smallbone Holden closing Timaru dealership * Holden NZ holds the key to solving Australia's sales crisis Marsh said the company had been tracking truck sales in the Mid-and South Canterbury area, and things looked pretty good. It looks like its a pretty buoyant market for truck sales, Marsh said. We see this sales purchase as an opportunity for growth in your region. Oakwood is a South Island wide group and also owns the long-established Blackwells and Cooke Howlison dealerships. Marsh said the decision to purchase the Isuzu Master Truck franchise was part of the companys strategic plan for developing its successful Isuzu Truck business in the South Island. We are very pleased with the acquisition of the Timaru and Ashburton dealerships, which complement our existing Isuzu Master Dealerships in Christchurch and Dunedin, he said. The purchase is also a show of confidence in the Mid and South Canterbury economies and the exciting future for Isuzu Trucks, which has been New Zealands number one selling truck for 20 consecutive years. This acquisition will take the Oakwood Group to 13 car and truck dealerships and 340 staff across the South Island, with the intention of continuing to operate from the existing sites in Ashburton and Timaru. Smallbone board chairman Craig Carr said the purchase affected only the sales division of Isuzu Trucks at Smallbone and would not affect many staff members. Its a strategic business decision, Carr said. The Smallbone board and shareholders firmly believe that this decision will benefit their existing Isuzu Truck customers, as they will have access to a larger team of sales experts and stock throughout the region. Scania parts and services will continue to be supplied by ACL Smallbone and Cooke Howlison in their respective regions. Oakwood Group and Smallbone said they were committed to ensuring a smooth transition of customers and minimising any disruption to the business, with ownership commencing on August 10.