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Aylesford to get dual MAN/ERF dealer
Page 49
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A massive new dealership at Aylesford in Kent to be constructed between now and 2004 will be one consequence of the takeover of distributor ERF Medway's Rochester business by MAN distributor Southern Motor Group.
SMG's Maidstone location and the Rochester site will trade as MV Trucks, and will provide service and parts support for MAN and ERF vehicles across Kent, Sussex, and South London. The new site at Aylesford will be built to manage the dual franchises.
Control of ERF Medway's branches at Barking and LIpminster will transfer to MAN North London.
MAN-ERF says the move is the first step in a wide-ranging review of the two networks.
Steve Bradley, managing director of Widnes ERF dealership Perris and Kearon, doesn't believe this means all ERF dealers will automatically lose out, however.
"What I'm hoping is that MAN-ERF will pick the best, regardless of which franchise they currently hold," he says. "I think we're in a better position than most, because we've recently invested heavily in new premises.
"What's more, although there's an MAN service point in Widnes, the nearest dealership is in Manchester."