Going it alone
Page 52
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A former Volvo dealership executive has set up as an independent truck importer. After 17 years with Duffields, including 14 years running the used department, Neil Jarrold has established Euro-Wheels in Norwich.
"I'm bringing in new and used Volvos and doing a few Scanias too," he reports. "I know both these makes well, and it's best to stick to what you know."
The new vehicles are sourced from Continental dealerships. "I'm aiming to sell 30 new ones this year and an equal number of used," says Jarrold. "The latter are mostly 12 to 18 months old, and one or two of them may originate in the UK. I can obtain trucks to a customer's exact specifications, and on new ones you're looking at a saving of around E10,000 on UK dealer prices. Price isn't always the main consideration though—
very often people deal with me because they know me."
He's targeting owner-drivers and, not surprisingly, his clients are looking at power outputs in excess of 420hp. "They want Globetrotter and Globetrotter XL cabs on Volvos, and Topline cabs on Scanias," Jarrold explains.
The new trucks are covered solely by the factory's own warranty, and are not embraced by any additional packages that may be available from British dealerships.
"Volvo offers a two-year factorysupported warranty these days, so that should give the buyer plenty of confidence," he adds. Getting the vehicle serviced by UK dealers should present no difficulties, says Jarrold.
Euro-Wheels can be contacted via its web site at www.euro-wheels.com.