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    FAMILY FOCUS: Taylor Motors’ siblings Adam Taylor and Renee Ferguson have taken over the reins at Stawell Toyota. The new owners have big plans for the site. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
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    Stawell Toyota salesman Jamie Erwin.
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    Stawell Toyota technitian David Simpkin.
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    Stawell Toyota technitians Wayne Barber and Kain Grffin.
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    Stawell Toyota service manager Michael King and assistant Casey Rickard.
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    Stawell Toyota owners, siblings Adam Taylor and Renee Ferguson with staff after the family took over the business.
  • Hero image
    Stawell Toyota owners, siblings Adam Taylor and Renee Ferguson with staff after the family took over the business.

Taylor family widens business footprint at Stawell Toyota

By SARAH MATTHEWS

Cheaper vehicle servicing and an extensive site upgrade are among top priorities for Stawell Toyota’s new owners.

Hamilton’s Taylor Motors dynasty bought the business from Horsham Motor Co and took over the reins last week.

Adam Taylor, who operates Taylor Motors in partnership with his father, Ian, and sister, Renee Ferguson, said he was excited to widen his family’s business footprint.



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“When Stawell Toyota came on the market, we thought it was a great opportunity – we’re always looking to expand our business,” he said.

“We took over on July 1. After five months of negotiations we had two weeks to move in, so it all happened quite quickly in the end. 

“The staff have been terrific and everyone seems happy so far. All bar one has stayed on and we have people who have been here for 30 years. 

“That is quite similar to our staff in Hamilton. We pride ourselves on having a low staff turnover.”

Mr Taylor said he hoped to bring his family’s core values to the Stawell operation.

“Taylor Motors is a third-generation owned-and-operated multi-franchise business,” he said.

“My grandfather started the business and we have operated in the Hamilton area for 60 years. 

“Taylor Motors is built on strong community values and building strong and honest relationships with our staff and guests.”

The Stawell dealership will no longer have a Kia franchise.

Mr Taylor said he was looking to undertake a major overhaul of the Stawell site, including upgrading the showroom, workshop, signs and yard.

He said the dealership, at 72-76 Longfield Street, was in a great physical position.

“It has great frontage on the Western Highway, but it’s a bit dated,” he said.

“It needs a freshen up to make it a bit more modern. The workshop also needs an overhaul.”

Mr Taylor said the upgrade would include adding state-of-the-art equipment to ensure an efficient and professional workshop.

“We will also be undergoing several major changes in the service department,” he said.

“We will be significantly reducing our labour rates and trade rates to make services more affordable.

“We service all makes and models of vehicle.”

Mr Taylor said planning for the upgrade was already underway.

“We hope to have our plans done up by the end of the year and we hope to have the work completed by the end of next year,” he said.

Mr Taylor said although there was plenty of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, he was pleased to push ahead with the sale. 

“Obviously the pandemic threw a few curveballs for the industry, but I am confident things will be okay,” he said. 

He said the automotive sales industry had benefitted from the Federal Government’s $150,000 instant asset write-off scheme, which provided a boost in sales of both new and used vehicles.

“We are stepping off a record month in volume of sales last month, particularly for Toyota,” Mr Taylor said.

“Stawell is similar to Hamilton, as agriculture plays a significant part in the region’s economy. 

“Primary producers seem to be having a good time at the moment and that flows on to other businesses.”

Mr Taylor said he welcomed feedback about the business from customers or the wider community.

He said Stawell Toyota was keen to be involved in the community and encouraged community group or not-for-profit leaders to reach out about projects they were seeking support for.

Mr Taylor said he planned to become a familiar face in Stawell.

“I’m currently looking for a rental in Stawell or Halls Gap. They are proving hard to come by, which I guess is a good sign for a town because it means there is a lot happening,” he said.

“It’s been a busy few weeks and we’re still trying to find our feet, but it’s a very exciting time for us and the Stawell community.” 

The entire July 8, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!