L-R: Thomas Lysaght and Jonathan Banner
A Stafford-based motorhome business is extending the benefits of a new partnership with vehicle manufacturers, Fiat Professional, to offer local automotive businesses the opportunity to provide their customers with genuine Fiat parts supply and mechanical services.
Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld recently signed an agreement with Fiat Professional, a major supplier of motorhome chassis, to join its trade programme, Club Ricambi which is run by MOPAR, the service and customer care organisation within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The deal means Erwin Hymer Centre has become one of only two approved Fiat dealers in Stafford, helping the business further realise its ambition to become a one stop centre for all motorhome servicing requirements.
As an authorised dealer, it can now offer local garages direct access to both its car and motorhome parts supply and Fiat factory trained technicians, to help local automotive companies better serve their customers, who can purchase dealer parts at competitive prices with daily and next-day delivery.
Andy Wright is MOPAR Service and Parts Zone Manager who works alongside MOPAR Customer Care manager, Thomas Lysaght, both of whom have been involved in the EHCT partnership process. Andy said: “Stafford is an area with great growth potential, with lots of small thriving businesses, partnering with EHCT, with its purpose-built centre, is a big part of helping us penetrate this area.”
EHCT’s Fiat Parts manager Jonathan Banner said: “We think this is a golden opportunity for Stafford garages who may otherwise have to turn away customers looking for genuine Fiat parts and accessories. We want to build links with reputable businesses in the area and form positive, reciprocal relationships and we are already making good progress!”
Simon Dean Motor Services based in Stoke is one garage that recently got on board with the program. Simon said: “Having a reliable car and professional van parts supplier for all my Fiat requirements on my doorstep is great news for my business, and being able to offer uprated suspension systems from Goldschmitt is an added bonus.”
Erwin Hymer Centre first became a Fiat Professional partner three years but to gain its official Fiat partnership, it was subject to a series of rigorous processes, involving the recruitment of new Fiat staff members, financial commitment, running several training programmes and database assessment.
Erik Baxendale added:” The process was strict and required a lot of commitment from us but we believe the finance and time invested will pay dividends. Although we do supply motorhomes on Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Debeko and Iveco Daily chassis also, we recognise that Fiat is a strong brand to be associated with. We’re enjoying working with the Fiat team, and linking in with businesses in the local area.”
Local auto businesses and garages who are interested in linking in with the company’s program are invited to a ‘Fiat Trade Evening’ held at the Erwin Hymer Centre in Stafford on Wednesday 11th September from 5pm until 7pm. For more information, please contact Jonathan Banner via email: [email protected] or call him on: 01785 87 87 87.
