Grangemouth’s RTS is on right road with new truck deal
The local recovery firm
A local auto recovery and repair firm has sealed a deal to sell and service a range of brand new trucks.
Grangemouth’s RTS (Road to Sea) took delivery of a demonstrator model of the new Longton Avia on Monday ... and immediately headed for Falkirk Council to see if the local authority would be interested in adding the vehicles to its fleet.
Andy Phillips started up his business eight years ago, working out of a van carrying out repairs for clients.
The company moved into premises in Earls Road just over a year ago and Andy hopes the council and other organisations will like what they see when he drives up in the Longton Avia.
Andy said: “I saw an advert saying they were going to be building these lorries in the UK so I got in touch to see if I could act as a dealer in this area.
‘‘I then phoned the people at Falkirk Council’s fleet management to see if they wanted to view the lorry –councils are actually the target market for this vehicle.
“If we can sell the vehicles it’s going to increase our revenue. The other side of it is we will be doing all the servicing and repairs for the vehicles as well.
‘‘It’s up to me to go out and show it to people and try to get them interested.
“It’s a good vehicle and all the parts are well recognised in the industry and easy to get a hold of.”
Czechoslovakia-based Avia has been building trucks since the 1940s and in April teamed up with Stoke on Trent-based Longton, which will act as UK manufacturer and distributor for the new range of vehicles.
Bob Godwin, Longton Avia sales manager, drove the demonstrator vehicle up from England and will work with Andy as he tries to pitch the lorry to various local organisations.
Bob said: “We will supply the trucks and Andy will sell and service them from here. Falkirk Council is going to have a look at the demonstrator and Stirling Council and the fire service are also interested.
“It’s a good, strong, quality product which has parts that are easy to come by.”
The British-designed trucks, which will be assembled in Stoke on Trent, range in weight from six to 12 tons and all have a Cummins motor and a three-year warranty.
The Longton Avia also features a large, 2150mm wide, and comfortable cab - enough room for three large operatives.
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Weather for Falkirk
Thursday 23 May 2013
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