INDIAN tractor- and car-maker Mahindra has added another dealer to its list of 40 national outlets, with Ian Weigh taking up the franchise in Rockhampton.

It is the fourth Queensland dealership to be appointed to the brand in the past few months. All are also Toyota franchises.

Ian Weigh Mahindra’s site at 178 Denison Steet has the new Mahindra corporate identity with a ‘brand story’ wall, a pylon sign and a 15m road fascia.

The late Bill Weigh started in the automotive business more than 50 years ago with dealerships in Brisbane and Mount Isa and then, 27 years ago, his son Ian Weigh started in Rockhampton with the Ian Weigh Toyota dealership.

The multi-franchise dealership has more than 150 staff and takes an entire city block in Rockhampton. It features the interstate train line running down the main street that fronts the dealership.

Ian Weigh Mahindra joins Trinity Automotive Group in Cairns and Tait Mahindra in Goondiwindi and Moree.

Mahindra Automotive Australia marketing manager James Halliwell said Filby’s Motors in Bowen and Proserpine will be the next appointments.

He said in the past six months there had been “a lot of dealer activity in Queensland” but that was attributed to filling gaps in the state. Other dealerships are being planned around the country, including more for Western Australia and South Australia.

Mr Halliwell said the Mahindra brand was complementary to products from Toyota because it gave dealers a lower-price entry point to a new SUV or ute.

The brand will increase its product range from 2020 with the possible additions of a XUV300 SUV that is a smaller version of the existing XUV500, a three-door 4WD vehicle and a wagon version of the PikUp called the Scorpio.

Mahindra products have been distributed by the factory-owned Mahindra Automotive Australia business that evolved from the previous joint venture with NSW-based Tynan Motors group.

By Neil Dowling