BALLARAT Isuzu has taken off three top Isuzu dealer accolades in the truck-maker’s 2023 Dealer of the Year awards alongside Patterson Cheney Trucks that has been awarded Isuzu’s parts dealer of the year.

Ballarat won dealer of the year, sales dealer of the year and service dealer of the year.

It was the second year that the Ballarat dealer won the same three categories after similar results in 2022, as well as taking out dealer of the year in 2020.

The dealer awards were presented after Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) recorded its strongest ever sales performance in 2023.

The company said that receiving a Dealer of the Year Award was the ultimate accolade for many within the Isuzu network, holding a special place among the programs and initiatives run by IAL to encourage excellence across the Isuzu Trucks network.

L-R: Isuzu Motors Limited president, representative director and CEO Shinsuke Minami; Ballarat Isuzu DP Ian Deacon; Ballarat Isuzu service manager Jonnie Arnel; IAL MD and CEO Takeo Shindo; IAL head of network development Nathan Ton

Multiple operational areas are evaluated by IAL in judging for its Dealer of the Year Awards, such as customer care, servicing, parts, sales, training attendance and inventory management.

IAL chief of sales and aftersales Ben Lasry said the attention to detail demonstrated by Isuzu dealers across all aspects of their business had helped the brand maintain its reputation for outstanding truck sales, service, and care.

“It is the efforts of dealerships like Ballarat Isuzu and Patterson Cheney Trucks that help to shape the brand and what it can offer,” said Mr Lasry.

“In particular, the team at Ballarat Isuzu led by dealer principal Ian Deacon, has greatly impressed everyone at IAL with their dedication to improving not only their own operation but also the outcomes that they can achieve for their customers.

“As always our sincere thanks also go to the Isuzu dealer network at large for supporting the brand year-on-year and for playing the vital role of connecting Isuzu Trucks with transport operators at the local level.”

Ballarat Isuzu dealer principal Ian Deacon said the team worked very hard all year towards the results.

“It is great to be part of the Isuzu family and celebrate a record year of sales, we can’t wait to see the next generation of trucks that are on the horizon,” he said.

Patterson Cheney Trucks general manager John Elliot congratulated the team on their Parts Dealer of the Year award.

L-R: Shinsuke Minami; Patterson Cheney owner Cameron Bertalli; Patterson Cheney GM John Elliot; Patterson Cheney DP Adrian Harding; Takeo Shindo

“A lot of team effort and hard work go into what we do at Patterson Cheney,” he said.

“It is fantastic to get this recognition – “we couldn’t be happier to partner with Isuzu Trucks”.

IAL head of network development Nathan Ton congratulated the winners, noting the correlation between the efforts of the dealer network and Isuzu’s success as Australia’s favourite truck brand.

“After such a fantastic year, it is more important than ever to recognise the contributions of our dealers as well as come together to celebrate the triumphs of 2023,” Mr Ton said.

“Congratulations to Ballarat Isuzu and Patterson Cheney Trucks, and indeed all of our hard-working teams around the country – we are looking forward to another cracking year ahead with your unshakable support.”