Keith Andrews Trucks (KAT), New Zealand’s largest FUSO dealer, has opened a new branch in Hamilton to better support its growing customer base.
Purpose-built from the ground up, the Te Rapa dealership is fully equipped for heavy commercial sales, parts supply and service, and is open from 7:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 7:00am to 12:00pm on Saturdays.
It is the fourth FUSO-focused dealership in KAT’s upper North Island network and the first of its kind in Hamilton within the wider Fuso New Zealand national network.
Managing director Keith Andrews says the need for a dedicated FUSO sales and service dealer in the Waikato region has increased rapidly with the expansion of its largest city.
“It’s no secret that Hamilton has seen significant growth over the past four to five years, along with an equally large increase in transport operations. As a result, our FUSO customer base across the region has grown to the point that specialist support is required to ensure that customers’ experiences meet the high expectations of Fuso New Zealand.”
The new facility has five service bays manned by FUSO-trained technicians, supported by proprietary diagnostic tools and Fuso New Zealand technical experts.
“Customers should have an expectation that when they bring their FUSO to us, they will receive the best possible support for their vehicle – whatever its age,” said Keith.
“As specialists, we can ensure that all necessary repairs are made with as little downtime as possible.”
Team approach
The 17-strong team is headed by branch manager Shaun Croswell, who’s moved from Keith Andrews Manukau to establish the business and ensure the same high standard of service is a provided to every customer.
“This is a really exciting role,” said Shaun. “Keith Andrews is a proven and respected brand in commercial vehicles and I look forward to building on that throughout Waikato.
“One of my first actions has been to meet with our existing customers and find out how we can best deliver to their needs and expectations,” says Shaun. “I received some really valuable feedback that will help guide my priorities over the next few months.
“Our doors have been open for a few weeks now and, while we specialise in FUSO, we’ve been servicing a range of makes and models. There seems to be a real interest in a new commercial service outlet in Hamilton and, as word spreads, we’re getting busier and busier.”
In addition to truck sales and service, the Hamilton branch has 1,500 Genuine FUSO parts available off the shelf and access to over 9,000 more only two hours away at Fuso New Zealand’s warehouse near Auckland Airport.
“We’re really looking forward to delivering a better level of service to the region,” said Shaun. “It has had good service for the past decade, but it’s time for us to take it to the next level.”
About KAT
Keith Andrews Trucks (KAT) started life in Whangarei in 1991 as a dedicated FUSO dealership. Since then, the business has grown to include three more sites in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga and employs more than 130 staff.
Led by founder and managing director Keith Andrews, the company’s ethos centres on the principle that great people make great businesses, and KAT is proud to have a team of passionate individuals, who share a common approach to delivering excellent customer service.
KAT is the largest commercial vehicle dealer in New Zealand; while best known for selling and servicing FUSO trucks and buses, KAT is an experienced Mercedes-Benz specialist, covering sales, service and parts for the Northland region from its base in Whangarei, with parts and service support at its Manukau dealership. KAT also provides parts and service for Freightliner trucks – Daimler’s third heavy commercial brand – out of Whangarei.