ISUZU TEAM ELITE TOPS THE BOARD  

Keeping one step ahead of the competition is a process Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has become familiar with during their 33 consecutive years of truck market leadership in Australia. In supporting their well-known approach to helping customers access only the best in sales and aftersales support, Isuzu Trucks holds the annual Team Elite program—with the aim of encouraging, strengthening and showcasing the skills and knowledge accumulated across IAL’s national dealer network. Now running for over 20 years, Isuzu’s Team Elite is considered one of the original truck excellence programs, utilising a points-based competition format with generous incentives that attract and cultivate the cream of Australia’s truck sales, service, and parts specialists.  

Sales champions recognised

The Team Elite sales award for 2021 concluded with the National Champion Sales Consultant competition, which was recently held at the IAL Head Office in Truganina, Melbourne. Every year, three leading sales competitors from across the 70-plus Isuzu Trucks dealer network are selected to participate in the National Champion Sales Consultant Competition. They are tested on a trio of integral truck sales elements—their product knowledge, brand knowledge and truck model–specific knowledge. This includes completing a series of written and practical examinations, including simulated sales scenarios. This year, Simon Mariani of Gilbert & Roach (NSW), Shane Hilder of Webster Trucks (TAS) and Sedat Ciftci of North East Isuzu Shepparton (VIC) earned their place to take part in the competition. IAL National Sales Manager, Les Spaltman, revealed a close call, with Shane Hilder of Webster Trucks accumulating the highest points overall. Crowned National Champion Sales Consultant, this is the seventh time Mr Hilder has taken home the prestigious sales award.

Mr Spaltman congratulated all competitors, “Well done to Simon and Sedat who performed remarkably. Although falling just short of the top spot in second and third place, their hard work is appreciated, and we hope to see them challenging their skills again in future Team Elite programs. “Our hearty congratulations to Shane, who continues to be a credit to both his team and the Isuzu Trucks name. “Well done on an incredible achievement and for putting your knowledge into practice not only in the competition, but for the benefit of Isuzu’s customers over many years.” Mr Hilder commented on his well-deserved win, “It’s a proud moment for me and I am grateful as always to call the passionate and committed people at Webster Trucks my team. “Most have been around for over 20 years, and with them there’s great rapport, product knowledge, and group spirit, which all contributes to our success.”

Awards continued

In the service category of Isuzu’s 2021 Team Elite Awards, Suresh Millar (North East Isuzu, SA), Dean Pollard (South West Isuzu, WA) and John Tsacos (Wagga Motors, NSW) accumulated the highest Team Elite points, taking out the top three spots for Service Manager excellence. When asked about the secret to his success, North East Isuzu Service Manager, Suresh Millar, said, “In three words: drive, vison and a ‘can-do’ work ethic. “This is more of a win for North East Isuzu as a whole, as the team have over the years pooled our individual efforts as a collective towards one desired goal—customer service excellence. Its mirrored is this award.” In the specialised arena of parts, David Canny (Major Motors, WA) Grant Davey (Wagga Motors, NSW) and Adrian Speck (Peel Valley Isuzu, NSW) emerged as Team Elite’s top three Parts Managers across the country. “At Major Motors we always try to do our utmost for our customers, from the owner drivers right up to the global mining companies,” said Major Motors Group Parts Manager, David Canny. “Regardless of fleet size, it is always our aim to have the correct parts supplied in a timely manner. “I’d like to thank our customers for their continued support and our parts teams at all our branches. We are very fortunate to have great people who are loyal, dedicated and a pleasure to work with.”

Representing Isuzu excellence

Never content to rest on past laurels, the Isuzu Team Elite program illustrates the brand’s commitment to training and rewarding the next generation of performers, who are focused on the building of genuine relationships with Australian businesses. “Our Team Elite champions are the best Isuzu has to offer in the truck selling and aftercare business,” commented Mr Spaltman. “But in regard to all our 2021 Team Elite competitors, their performance is a great testament to their respective dealerships, proving their dedication in the field and a desire for continuous improvement. “It gives me great pleasure personally to recognise Shane, our 2021 sales champion, along with the winners in service and parts on behalf of my Isuzu colleagues,” he continued. “We are very proud to have such outstanding staff representing the Isuzu brand.”