Capital Works: Canberra Isuzu Opens New Facilities

The vast Isuzu Trucks dealer footprint has recently been bolstered by the re-opening of the Canberra Isuzu facility, featuring all new, state-of-the-art truck sales and parts departments.

Located just over the border in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, the newly constructed facility sees the truck sales and parts departments separated from the servicing workshop.

The new facility features a large truck showroom, improved parking and a parts supermarket that houses a comprehensive parts display.

Canberra Isuzu’s General Manager, James Gildea, explained the move was prompted by a desire to deliver improved customer experience across all its divisions.

“The huge new showroom space gives us the chance to carry out walkarounds in year-round conditions, protected from rain, hail and heat.

“It also allows us to put all our products on display; customers can walk in and get the full scope of what we have to offer from a sales and parts perspective.

“And as a by-product of the facility, the service department is now standalone, so we’ve increased our workshop footprint allowing the service department to better manage their customer traffic.

“The new carpark means better accessibility and we have built a dedicated customer lounge for comfort, which can be used during any waiting periods— for sales customers and servicing customers from across the road,” he said.

“We hope this new facility is going to add 10 years of growth to Canberra Isuzu,” Mr Gildea said.

From concept to delivery, the new facility took two and a half years to complete, built by local construction company Nikias Diamond and designed by DNA Architects.

This timeframe included design, planning and council approvals, with every detail meticulously considered to meet the requirements of Canberra Isuzu’s stakeholders and customers.

Mr Gildea noted the safety of staff and customers, in addition to ease of access, was a top priority in constructing the facility.

The external hardstands—a paved area designed to take the load of heavy equipment parked for a lengthy period—were completed with engineered concrete to withstand significant vehicle loads.

“It’s an extremely considered building. It has brand-new offices and amenities for our staff, and a loading dock for easy delivery and distribution of parts.

“The new opening has created a buzz around the dealership, and the staff are feeling reinvigorated with renewed pride in their work...it’s been something to look forward to during this pandemic,” Mr Gildea added.

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) National Operations Dealer Manager, Kevin Brown, extended his congratulations to Canberra Isuzu and commented on the facility.

“We always support our dealerships making moves to improve their customer experience and their own prospects as advocates of the Isuzu brand,” Mr Brown said.

“Canberra Isuzu has picked the perfect time to grow by completing this important upgrade. They have really set themselves up to come out of COVID-19 on the front foot.”

The new facility is a big jump forward for Canberra Isuzu, and the dealership is already considering their next development.

“Our next project will be to give the standalone service workshop a face-lift, to bring it in line with the new sales and parts facility,” Mr Gildea said.

“It’s a super exciting time to be at Canberra Isuzu. We’re looking forward to capitalising on these substantial changes at the dealership as the country works its way towards recovery.”