Centre of excellence

Twelve years after its inception, Navan Ford Centre is going stronger than ever. With a completely revamped facility � including spacious new 24-hour-a-day showrooms - in place, the Meath dealer has taken control of its own fate. Irish Trucker sent a correspondent up the N3 to investigate.

Members of the sales team at Navan Ford Centre, l/r: James Reilly, John Robinson, Ian Cashin and Sean Coffey

Navan Ford Centre can be found on an impressive, spacious site at Liscarton, on the Kells Road, two miles from the bustling town of Navan. Successful businessman James Reilly and his son Michael are the driving forces behind the venture.
With many years’ motor industry experience, the dealer principal has assembled a team of talented professionals dedicated to providing Meath motorists with top-quality service – all in line with the company's guiding principle "Doing it right for You".

Ford continues to lead the way in the Irish market and the twelve-year partnership between Navan Ford and Ford has proven a mutually beneficial arrangement. Ford offers the discerning motorists a wide selection of vehicles, with something to suit every requirement, from the every-popular small car Fiesta to the beautiful new Focus C-Max, the magnificent Mondeo, the spectacular new Ranger four-wheel-drive on-off loader or, of course, a choice of the best commercials money can buy.

Navan Ford Centre's fully-trained technicians use only genuine Ford-approved parts

Ford supplies a wide selection of commercial vehicles from Europe's top selling medium sized van - the Transit - to the Transit Connect and Focus Van. All are on-site at Navan Ford Centre for prospective customers to peruse and test drive. Contact the sales team today to test drive the Ford of your choice.

A combination of personal service and use of the latest computer technology are key to Navan Ford Centre’s policy of providing customers with the best possible aftersales service. The parts department is connected via on-line computer to Ford's European Parts Depots as well as to other Ford dealers. In the unlikely event that a particular part is not in stock, delivery can be secured overnight. This in turn means that the workshop, embracing the latest in diagnostic equipment, can repair or service vehicles with the absolute minimum of delay – and at a reasonable price.

John Cooke and Michael Reilly man the Service department while Dan Rimdzius looks after parts

Anybody who drives a Ford likes to be sure that servicing or repairs are carried out by a company with years of Ford experience, by fully-trained qualified technicians using only genuine Ford-approved parts. At Navan Ford Centre this is always the case. Friendly and helpful aftersales personnel are on hand to provide care and attention to both the vehicle and the valued customer. When it comes to servicing or repairing vehicles, a full range of professional and competitive aftersales services is provided for all makes of cars – one of the many reasons why Navan Ford Centre benefits from such a high volume of repeat custom.

The spacious and modern reception area at Navan Ford Centre

Ford’s commercial vehicle family is comprised of the Transit, Transit Connect and Focus Van.
The Transit is tough, durable, reliable and efficient – and it gets the job done! Ever since it hit the road in 1965, Ford engineers and designers have been listening to people who depend on the Transit every day of their working lives. The Ford Transit is renowned for its low running costs, delivering intelligent, practical solutions designed to put money back in your pocket and give a competitive edge. Today, the Transit offers all of the following and more: improved fuel economy; lower maintenance costs; extended service intervals; two-year warranty; Durashift EST transmission; reduced tyre, brake and clutch wear; outstanding low cost of ownership; and 15,000-mile service intervals for diesel engines.

Navan Ford Centre, on the Kells Road two miles from Meath's county to win

To celebrate the Transit’s 40th year, Ford unveiled the limited edition Transit legend, which is available in short-wheel, medium-wheel and long-wheel base.
Winner of European Van of the Year, the Ford Transit Connect is an exciting new generation of van. Designed, engineered and constructed solely for commercial use, it provides unparalleled levels of durability, reliability and ruggedness. Whatever you need in a light commercial van, Ford Transit Connect delivers. Tough, dependable and economical, the Transit Connect works as hard as you do and looks the part too. It satisfies the commercial needs of today, and in true Transit tradition, every aspect has been designed to fulfill a purpose.

The Ford Transit Connect is engineered to provide a level of rugged durability never before seen in its class. Built on a specifically developed platform, Ford Transit Connect's robust design provides a tough, capable and cost-effective commercial vehicle. It sets the standard in its class.
Whatever the nature of your business, Ford Transit Connect's class-leading loadbox functionality will prove flexible enough to suit all working requirements. When you use your vehicle every day, it's good to know that it and its load are as safe as possible. That's why the Ford Transit Connect has been designed featuring the same class-leading security attributes as the award winning Ford Transit.

The Ford Transit Connect may be a relatively-new driving experience, but everything feels familiar. The cabin acquits itself impeccably, because the more comfortable you are, the more productive you are. With this is mind, the Ford Transit Connect provides outstanding levels of driver comfort, convenience and functionality. Great to drive, the Ford Transit Connect also delivers outstanding ride and handling characteristics.

The Focus diesel van adds something extra to Ford’s commercial range. For security and peace of mind, it comes complete with airbags, immobilizer, high-security locks, remote and central locking, a locking fuel filler door, side impact beams and a steel safety cage. Features include body colour bumpers, electrically-operated and heated door mirrors, mini spare wheel, heated rear window, sports suspension, front and rear wipers with electric wash, and front fog lights.
On the interior, nothing has been left to chance and the van offers the highest possible levels of comfort, convenience, usability and is also easy on the eye.

Navan Ford Centre also stocks a wide range of pre-owned cars and commercial vehicles, offering exceptional value for money as well as generous trade-in discounts.
James Reilly established Navan Ford Centre on the Kells Road in 1994. Though the high level service provided has been a constant, a few things have changed at Liscarton. The site has recently been totally overhauled, with the addition of new parts and service areas, as well as a new showroom with the capacity for twelve cars and three commercials. The showroom to the front is clearly visible from the main road, with the latest Ford models on display around the clock.

With up to 300 new and used vehicles in stock at any given time, Navan Ford Centre carries the sole Ford dealership for County Meath and its share of the local market is increasing gradually on an annual basis. And, with sales of both cars and commercials rising every year, an excellent 2006 is predicted by sales manager John Robinson. The genesis of Navan Ford Centre has seen Ford’s market share in the Royal County rise from fifth to second and the No.1 spot is now firmly within sight.
In terms of new units, Ford expects to break the 200,000 mark in Ireland for the first time in 2007 so these are exciting times for both the trailblazing American manufacturer and its Meath agent.

A professional, experienced and thoroughly-competent team of 20 is employed at Navan Ford Centre. Parts manager Gary Keelan can source parts from all over Europe overnight for next-day delivery, while service manager John Cooke oversees a fully-equipped workshop with all the latest technology. There are five bays, eight lifts and six mechanics working full-time, under the management of the founder’s son, Michael.

James’ daughter Wendy runs the sales admin/reception area, while Vincent Keating oversees the accounts department. The knowledgeable and helpful sales team comprises John Robinson, Sean Coffey, Ian Cashin, Phil Murray and the dealer principal himself.

James and his team are always available to deal with any queries, so why not contact Navan Ford Centre today? Tel: 046 90 23456 Fax: 046 90 23532 www.navanfordcentre.ie