Auto group snaps up Ford dealership
ONE of Toowoomba’s largest automotive companies has expanded even more after snapping up one of Australia’s most recognisable badges.
Toowoomba Automotive has bought the Toowoomba Ford dealership from Armstrong Auto Group, relocating the operation to a massive site on the corner of Herries and Prescott Streets near the city centre.
The business, which already holds Kia, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, MG, MercedesBenz and GMSV in its portfolio, is part of the massive Eagers Automotive group.
The Herries Street site will include new and used car sales along with servicing for Ford.
Dealership principal and Queensland provincial general manager Ross Crampton said the acquisition was a major coup given Ford’s long history and reputation in Australia.
“It’s very exciting – it’s a terrific brand and we’ve been overwhelmed by the staff we’ve picked up and the customers we’ve spoken with about the passion there is for a brand,” he said.
“Most retail industries are in very good health, probably a better position than they’ve been in years.
“It’s certainly the same for us, so with the scope we’ve got as a group with all those brands, and our heritage here, I think we’re very well-placed.
“Toowoomba is a good place to be, unemployment figures are very low, and I don’t think there’s a better place to do business.”
Mr Crampton said the dealership would create work for 25 people, many of which came across as part of the sale.
“We’ve picked up a number of staff from there and found a few extra staff as well,” he said.
“There are plenty of people we’ve already got at Toowoomba Automotive, so we’ve had the luxury of picking some of our great people for opportunities.
“There are going to be roughly 25 staff members.”
Ford’s former location on the corner of James Street and Anzac Avenue in Harristown is now for lease, with Armstrong Auto Group also set to permanently relocate its BMW dealership to an upcoming showroom on Neil Street in Toowoomba City.
The company also holds Jeep, GWM, Nissan, Suzuki and Haval.
Leasing agent and LJ Hooker Commercial principal Mike Stewart said the massive site near Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre could suit a number of new purposes.
“There is a lot of infrastructure and it’s a 1.9 hectare site with a whole range of opportunities,” he said.
“It offers about 5000 sqm of building and a huge amount of hardstand.
“It would be good for boating, camping and caravanning businesses,” Mr Stewart said.