ERF dealers get MAN's muscle
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• MAN's takeover of ERF has received a positive reaction from the Sandbach manufacturer's distributor network, says Steve Bristow, director and general manager of Aldridge, West Midlands ERF distributor Aquila. "There was a view that there wasn't enough strength in depth at previous owner Western Star, and were delighted that ERF has got some muscle behind it," he remarks.
There is no indication that the dealer networks will be merged, Bristow adds—"although who knows what will happen a few years down the road?''—or that ERF will be
obliged to extricate
itself from its contract to assemble Isuzus.
Aquila is one of eight ERF distributors which also represent the
Japanese marque. Bristow believes ERF distributors will welcome any opportunity to provide parts and service coverage for MAN in areas of the country where the German manufacturer may be weak.
"It would make good sense for all concerned," he comments.