Euro trio: Mike Boyes, Paul Kirby and Dean Stone bring wealth of experience to Euro Commercials sales and services
Author: ROBIN ROBERTS
South Wales Mercedes-Benz dealer Euro Commercials has demonstrated its confidence in the future by appointing three seasoned sales professionals.
All are filling key roles as Euro Commercials steps up its drive to introduce more operators both locally and nationally to the benefits of operating trucks and vans bearing the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz, and the three diamonds badge of Fuso.
Leading the way is Euro’s new Truck Sales Manager Mike Boyes. He has been joined by Fleet Sales Manager Paul Kirby and Used Truck & Fuso Canter Sales Specialist Dean Stone – Mercedes-Benz dealers in the UK are also responsible for sales and support of the popular Canter light truck range.
Nathan Black, General Sales Manager at Euro Commercials, declared: “We’re delighted to welcome three such experienced individuals to our team. These are exciting times for our business – we’ve just introduced a new Fuso Canter and are about to launch the stunning new Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit, the reigning International Truck of the Year. The New Year, meanwhile, sees another important arrival in the shape of the Citan, the first Mercedes-Benz city van.
“We’re determined to capitalise on the opportunities which these fantastic new products represent and I’m confident that with the right team now in place that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
Mike Boyes spent the last 14 years working for two other truck manufacturers and knows Euro Commercials’ ‘home turf’ well, having covered South Wales in his previous role as Regional Sales Manager.
He began his career at 16 in the Royal Corps of Transport and served in Germany and twice in Northern Ireland. On leaving the army he drove heavy trucks for three years before moving into sales, first with garage equipment and building services companies, then with commercial vehicle contract hire providers BRS and Fraikin.
“I’ve always admired Mercedes-Benz engineering,” said Mike, who lives in Bristol and whose passion is his 1991, V8-engined Mercedes 500SL sports car. “Having worked previously for two competitors, Mercedes-Benz was the only company I wanted to join – I have so much respect not only for the brand and its products, but also for the commitment it makes to its dealers and, most importantly of all, its customers. “I’m now working with a great team of people and enjoying getting out and about, meeting new operators and introducing some of my former customers to Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the support we can offer.” Unlike Mike, Paul Kirby has worked previously for Mercedes-Benz – and says he’s delgihted to be back! Euro’s new Fleet Sales Manager spent the last three years in national distribution roles for first Wickes and then the DIY chain’s parent company Travis Perkins. But prior to this he worked for five years as National Contract Hire & Leasing Manager within Mercedes-Benz UK’s Vans division.
“I always loved working for Mercedes-Benz,” he said. “When it comes to premium brand values like quality, safety, reliability, durability and cost of ownership, no other manufacturer comes close.”
Father-of-two Paul, who started out in the motor industry 22 years ago as a car cleaner, is now targeting major national leasing companies and, because his position is field-based, continues to live in Bedford.
Cardiff-born Dean Stone also worked for two rival truck manufacturers, in his case for a total of 25 years, before joining Euro Commercials as Used Truck & Fuso Canter Sales Specialist. He began his career as a partsman then worked in various service positions before moving into used vehicle sales a decade ago.
“My previous dealership was owned by the manufacturer, which meant there was a fair amount of bureaucracy to contend with,” said Dean, who now lives with his wife and daughter in Bridgend. “Euro, by contrast, is a privately-owned business and ‘lighter on its feet’, so I have more flexibility to get the job done.”
Most of the pre-owned vehicles which Dean buys and sells are top-quality examples retailed through the Mercedes-Benz Approved Used scheme. The new Fuso Canter, meanwhile, features DUONIC, the world’s first dual-clutch automatic transmission for light trucks, which is fitted as standard to 7.5-tonne models and optionally available for 3.5-tonne variants.
“DUONIC is very impressive in operation,” added Dean, “so I’m keen to ensure that as many operators as possible try one of our demonstration units and see for themselves how this new transmission contributes to a safer and smoother drive.”
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