We feature some interesting news, both about and for dealers, in today's Weekly Update.
Firstly, there's the news that Rea Valley Tractors have completed the acquisition of neighbouring New Holland dealership, Teme Valley Tractors. These sorts of stories are of course becoming increasingly common as larger dealership groups become ever more prevalent. As ever, it will be interesting to watch what ever the knock-on effects may be locally.
Also today in news that will interest many, Kress tell us about their new battery recycling scheme for their dealers.
Elsewhere, expanding their offerings to customers at the start of 2024 with the taking on of new brands, are both GGM and Rod Gaskin. It's always fascinating to report on these kinds of developments at dealerships because it must be an exciting time for any business, being at the start of the journey of developing new partnerships and tapping into fresh customer bases. We wish them, and indeed all our readers diversifying their line-up this year, all the best in their new endeavours.
Also, it's always pleasing to read about manufacturers acknowledging and rewarding the exemplary work that is carried out by their network - which is what we hear that Avant has done recently at a special ceremony that also marked their own significant anniversary. Well done to all the winners.
Finally, we include a story that I know will pique the interest of those dealer readers who constantly have an eye out for whatever new technological innovations are coming down the line, potentially to be of interest to their stores and customers. In this regard, at the PGA Show that took place in Florida last week, Yamaha gave a world debut to a concept golf car, powered by hydrogen.
We're aware that many of our readers, be they dealer or manufacturer, are paying keen attention to developments surrounding this power source as they are unconvinced that the current favoured 'alternative' fuel - batteries - are a forever solution. From conversations we've had, it certainly seems that amongst some there is a scepticism at the longevity of batteries as a green means of power. We know many do not think it's the eco-saviour of the future. I'm sure Yamaha's move, and others being made by companies across the agricultural and commercial machinery sectors, will continue to be monitored with close fascination.
So as we move into the second month of 2024, there are perhaps signs of activity in the industry that hopefully pertain to a positive year ahead? This was certainly a message I felt was conveyed at BTME last week.
Winter servicing
Related to this, another message I've heard conveyed from various dealers is just how exceedingly busy the start to the year has been - specifically in their workshops. And this is something we'd like to hear from our dealer readers today about, through a short winter servicing survey that we're running.
We've asked for your feedback on this subject at this time of the year for the past few seasons, so it'll be great to find out how this winter is comparing. Last year we heard that some dealerships felt they were being held back from reaching their maximum potential due to the difficulties in finding technician staff and because there were still lengthy delays on obtaining certain parts. Are these still areas you are struggling with? Or have matters improved?
Another factor that can impact workshop efficiency, we are often told, is customers not collecting completed machines. This of course places huge demands on space and capacity within the dealership. Is this something your business can relate to? Do your customers treat your dealership like a boarding house for their mowers?! Let us know today.
It will be great to hear from as many dealer readers as possible to build a picture of how the network is faring in their service departments currently. We have a few brief questions and space for you to leave your comments.
As ever we'll publish the findings and a selection of your thoughts in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine.
Thanks in advance for you help.
TAKE THE SURVEY.
