Aftersales still remains strong and 2008 saw us break all previous records, selling an incredible 431,000 service hours - up 9% on the previous year and helped along by the investment made in a brand new workshop for B&Q at Worksop in 2007. Parts, too, has been positive with sales of £18.5m, although we are very much seeing a change in the mix with increases in the non-Scania parts such as trailer and tail lift parts.

Keltruck's accident repair centre also grew sales by 3% beyond what was a record year prior. We were also pleased to receive a number of export orders for used Scania trucks and used & reconditioned Scania parts from both existing and new customers having seen an increase in export enquiries due to the pound's weakness at present.

We were delighted that, during 2008, Keltruck was confirmed as the largest privately owned Scania dealer in the world measured by vehicle deliveries, labour hours sold, parts sales and turnover having taken the title from a dealership in Brazil where Scania have a large factory.

Whilst we remain upbeat going into 2009 and well placed to take advantage of any opportunities that might come our way we are naturally having to focus on costs across the business as we see a downturn in sales revenues.

We’ve made a few changes along the way in the past year in terms of depot reporting lines and it is always pleasing to see people coming through the ranks, such as Neil Vazey who returned to West Bromwich to run the site having been there as an apprentice almost two decades previously. Likewise the recent promotion of Tracey Joynes who became our Finance Director having started with us ten years ago as a cashier. I’ve always been and remain convinced that our people are our strongest asset and we are blessed with many great characters throughout the company and some of the sponsorship and charity events the staff have participated in over the past year just strengthens that opinion. Not only that, the management team is strong and capable of taking on more as and when the opportunity arises.

So, the outlook for the rest of 2009 is that it will be a tough one, although we hope that it will present some new and exciting opportunities for both ourselves and, we hope, for many of our customers across the Midlands, around Britain & all over the world.

With best wishes for the new year,

Chris Kelly
Founder, Chairman & Managing Director

Have you received exceptional service from a member of staff at Keltruck? If so, please tell us about it.

Congratulations to:

• Paul Stanley of Keltruck Tamworth for "providing by far the most efficient and friendly service the customer has received by any garage. The fault on the vehicle occurred at the end of your shift but you stayed on and made sure that not only the truck was going to be fixed but also made the customer comfortable during the waiting period." From Mr Ben Lucas of Roadways Container Logistics, Felixstowe, Suffolk.

• Darrell Turner of Keltruck Sutton in Ashfield for "the fast callout response time. You showed a good and friendly attitude." From Mr James Dexter of Ward Recycling, Ilkeston

Read more

Junction 1 M5 traffic webcam

A webcam has been installed on the roof of the building at Keltruck West Bromwich & is now broadcasting live streaming pictures of the M5 at junction 1 just before the M5/M6 intersection to help with journey planning.

Visit keltruck.com/traffic or Junction1M5.com today!

Scania calendar

Visit scaniacalendar.com for the 2009 Scania web calendar. Visit www.favouritescania.com for a selection of prestigious vehicles entered for consideration for the Scania calendar.

For further information on anything contained in this newsletter please contact Chris D. Kelly at Keltruck West Bromwich.

Chris D. Kelly MBA
Marketing Director
info@keltruck.com
keltruck.com/chrisdkelly
Mob: +44 (0)7711 638 807
Tel: +44 (0)121 525 7000 x881
Tel: +44 (0)121 524 1801 (Pam Young)
Fax: +44 (0)121 524 1855

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