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Change of premises brings in business

9th January 2014, Page 11
9th January 2014
Page 11
Page 11, 9th January 2014 — Change of premises brings in business
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By Kevin Swallow

COMMERCIAL MOTORS (Wales) has taken on more work and employees following its move to a new facility in Newport.

Chairman of the MAN and Isuzu dealership Roger Sheddick said the company's original location and premises held the business back. "Within just five weeks of being open, we have seen actual business and enquiries both race ahead," he said.

"The position of the new site is ideal for operators and the large, secure yard area means we now have far more flexibility in terms of taking vehicles in.

"We've made a very significant investment into expanding this business, both with the site acquisition and the purchase and installation of the latest workshop equipment," Sheddick added.

The new 1,858m2 facility has 10 workshop bays, which includes an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF). Hilary Devey (pictured), a former Dragon on the BBC's Dragons' Den and founder of the

Pall-Ex pallet network, opened the facility paying tribute to the management team for its hard work and vision in the face of the recession.

The dealership will now handle sales and aftermarket for both franchises, as well as incorporating MAN Rental. MAN is hoping the dealership will be added to the MAN TopUsed network.

The dealership was taken over five years ago by current owners, Roger and Gill Sheddick, who previously ran Sheddick Transport before selling it to Norbert Dentressangle, and Robert and Mary Manchip. Robert was formerly sales director for 16 years at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

EXPORTERS ARE buying early-registered Euro-5 trucks as the number of older trucks coming to market starts to dry up.

Charlie Wright, MD of Protruck Auctions, said traders who export overseas started 2013 looking at 04/05 trucks with manual gearboxes but are now bidding on 07/08 trucks with automated transmissions.

This was evident at a sale in December 2013 where Protruck put together 23 Daf XF105.460s from three sources. "These trucks are stronger on the money than at the start of the year," he said.

The Dafs, part of a bigger sale, were 07,08 and 58-plated trucks, and Wright admitted he was a little sceptical that the market could absorb them just ahead of Christmas, but they sold well.

"About 80% of them went for over their reserve," he said, "and collectively made more than £250,000. Trucks from the finance house came with certain return conditions, which meant they had long MoTs, and were buffed and polished. Those trucks had more bidders for them, so preparing a de-fleeted truck for auction always makes a difference."


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