THE DEALER
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• JDS Trucks started out as J Douthwaite and Sons, dealing in Dodges before taking a Renault franchise. It's now the largest independent RVI dealer in the country, with major bases at Salford Quays (where we met John Beaumont) and Blackburn with a smaller operation in Kendal. We practically cover the whole of the M6," says area sales manager Chris Bell.
Aftersales support is clearly a priority at JDS with more than 60% of customers opting for contract hire. "ff you leave out the fleets, about 70% of our customers take out maintenance contracts," Bell reports. The firm has recently introduced 24-hour service bays, with an overnight maintenance service and a bookable courtesy van for the driver.
JDS believes in active marketing with regular mailshots to potential customers in its area, including Beaumont Transport. As Chris Bell says: 'We like to let people know we're there—and we add to the database all the time so we know what everyone's doing".