DEALER principal for Browns Lane Garage, John Manning, doesn’t just live for work. The 74 year-old was also born there.
Daihatsu’s latest dealer recruit is a 10-staff-strong stand alone Daihatsu-exclusive site. It’s been open a month and has already sold 11 cars, while registering four demonstrators.
But it’s Manning’s unique claim that really pricks people’s ears up.
As he explains, ‘The site originally included a butchers and a grocer’s shop, and I was born above the grocers 74 years ago.
‘The family eventually turned the shops into a car showroom, and I have been here ever since. This has helped us build up a loyal band of customers who have tended to stay with us over the years – very useful in these challenging times.’
Paul Hegarty, operations director, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Ltd, said: ‘This is a very welcome addition to our ever-expanding network, and we are delighted that Browns Lane has got off to such a flying start.
‘With such enthusiastic and friendly staff, and a strong and loyal customer base, I am sure this initial success will be maintained.’
Browns Lane Garage – which, until recently, sat next door to the now-disbanded Jaguar car plant – is one of 20 new dealers Daihatsu plans to appoint in 2008. Its current UK total is 105.
Year-to-date sales are looking good, too – they’re up 4 per cent, despite the frailty of the market.