Complete range of vehicle services for rural dwellers
BAndrew McWhannell, of Avon City Ford, has a strong affinity with rural communities, and is tuned into the needs of farmers and lifestylers.
"I come from a family that originally farmed on Banks Peninsula throughout many generations," he says.
"Personally I have been in the agricultural industry for over 30 years, all in the serving sector, spending the majority of my career at Cuddon & Stewart Ltd (farmers’ merchants).
"I really enjoy working with farmers because they are straightup and their word is their bond. When farmers in Canterbury are doing well, then we all do well."
Andrew explains that the 2011 earthquakes shook him out of his comfort zone.
"You only get one chance in life to do what you really want. After living in Christchurch we moved to Amberley, where my wife, Jennie, works at the Amberley Medical Centre and our three daughters attend the local primary school."
Andrew’s passion for cars led him to approach sales manager Shayne Brown, at Avon City Ford, with the view of becoming a rural representative in Canterbury. After a year in the position, everything has fallen into place. He very quickly learned about Ford products, and his farming background has stood him in good stead.
"The key to success is service, reliability and honesty. With my background I feel comfortable visiting clients on their farms and can connect with their needs. Ford have a large range of vehicles capable of handling any job and are always looking to improve their technology and expand the options available to our customers."
Andrew explains that he is able to visit farmers with the vehicles they are looking to purchase, thus saving them downtime. Seeing the vehicle in a work setting is very helpful.
"I know when I sell someone a vehicle they are getting a superior product and a fair deal. Having such a great product to sell makes my life much easier and I know that my clients will be very satisfied with the vehicle and the deal."
There is an Avon City Ford in Rangiora geared for service to clients and this facility supports Andrew’s sales. He also attends A&P shows with vehicles displayed at all of them.
A large presence at the South Island Field Days at Kirwee means that a wide range of rural dwellers can admire New Zealand’s most popular ute – the Ford Ranger, as well as the complete Ford range of passenger vehicles, SUVs and light commercial vehicles.