Ford’s is the kingdom

Since it was appointed main Ford dealer for County Kerry in 1920, Kerry Motor Works Ltd. has developed a stellar reputation by providing customers with high quality products and service. With business in the commercial vehicle sector continuing to increase, Irish Trucker decided to take a closer look at the Killarney Road operation.

The full range of Ford Commercial Vehicles can be viewed at Kerry Motor Works

Operating out of spacious, purpose-built premises conveniently located on the Killarney Road just outside Tralee, Kerry Motor Works’ ultimate aim is to provide a quality product and service, promptly and efficiently and at the right price. This, they invariably accomplish. Whatever a customer’s motoring needs - a new or used vehicle, van rental, servicing or repairs, or simply a replacement part - Kerry Motor Works delivers complete satisfaction every time.

Kerry Motor Works started out on Edward Street, Tralee and relocated to its present custom-built premises on the Killarney Road in 1996. Accessibility was increased by the recent widening of the Tralee/Killarney Road and Kerry Motor Works could not possibly be more conveniently located. In keeping with a strategy of constant evolution and self-improvement, planning permission has been secured for a major expansion of the showrooms and workshop, which commences this year.

Stephen Benner - commercial sales manager at Kerry Motor Works

As main Ford dealer for the Kingdom, Kerry Motor Works stocks the full range of new Ford cars and light commercials, in addition to all makes of pre-owned vehicles (which come with a 12-month guarantee). As well as sales, a comprehensive back-up service is also provided via a well-stocked six-lift workshop. Finance and leasing can be arranged, as can car/van rental. Twenty-one people are currently employed at the Tralee place of excellence.

Ford has always been at the forefront of the motor industry, internationally and here in Ireland, offering a varied and practical range of vehicles, with something to suit every requirement, including a choice of the best commercials money can buy.

The Transit is Europe's top selling medium sized van, while the Transit Connect and Focus Van are also available to test drive at Kerry Motor Works Ltd. Providing personal service and employing the latest computerised diagnostic technology, not to mention a fully-stocked parts department, the Kerry dealer can guarantee customers unparalleled aftersales service, be it repairs or routine vehicle upkeep.
Only genuine Ford parts are used and prices are reasonable. Furthermore, as part of the prestigious Ford network for 86 years now, Kerry Motor Works’ reputation precedes them!

The Ranger four-wheel-drive crew-cab is one of the best pick-ups money can buy

The Transit, Transit Connect and Focus Van make up Ford’s impressive commercial vehicle range. The renowned Transit is tough, durable, reliable and efficient, and has gone from strength to strength since hitting the road in 1965. With low running costs, the Transit delivers intelligent, practical solutions designed to put money back in the customer’s pocket and provide a competitive edge. To celebrate the Transit’s 40th anniversary, Ford last year unveiled the limited edition Transit legend, which is available in short-wheel, medium-wheel and long-wheel base.

Kieran Griffin is sales manager

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. Tough, dependable and economical, while providing outstanding levels of driver comfort, convenience and functionality, the Transit Connect satisfies the commercial needs of today, and in true Transit tradition, every aspect has been designed to fulfill a purpose.

The economical Transit Connect works as hard as you do. It’s a remarkable blend of versatility and efficiency, with class-leading levels of security, strength, capacity and outstanding driver comfort – the perfect working partner.

The short-wheel base Transit Connect’s best-in-class payload allows it to handle weights up to 825kg. Thanks to its standard fold-flat passenger seat, items up to 2.7 metres long can be accommodated. Meanwhile, the high-roof long wheelbase Transit Connect has a payload up to 900kg and can comfortably swallow 8’ x 4’ boards diagonally, thanks to its standard fold-flat seat.

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.

Kerry Motor Works Ltd. was established by Jack Benner as the second Ford dealer in the country in 1920. The family business has maintained its association with Ford ever since and the partnership has been mutually beneficial. At present, the founder’s son Leslie fronts the business with the assistance of his own sons Nicky (car sales manager) and Stephen (commercial sales manager).

The last-mentioned believes the Ford dealership has played a big part in the success of the company to date: “People associate Ford with quality and that’s a niche that suits us perfectly. Ford will always be one of the best-selling manufacturers in the country, with a wide range to suit everybody’s needs, cheap maintenance, reliability and a good residual value.”

With the construction boom showing no sign of slowing down, the commercial sales aspect of the business continues to increase. “The Transit is obviously our best-known commercial vehicle and the new Transit, builds on all the things that made the Transit so popular in the first place, but has some clever enhancements, including a new front and a new dash. The Transit is definitely here to stay.

“The Focus van is very popular with company reps and the Ranger four-wheel-drive crew-cab pick-up provides us with even wider coverage. At present, commercial sales account for about 30% of business and it could well grow beyond that, especially with Ford constantly bringing out new commercials.”
Eighty-six years since its genesis, Kerry Motor Works is going stronger than ever.