Slane Hill continues to rise

The name Slane Hill Motors has been synonymous with the provision of high quality cars and a professional service to a huge customer base operating from the same premises for the last six years. Now under the ownership of Karl Nutley, he and his experienced team are waiting to meet your every need.

A selection of vehicles on view at Slane Hill Motors forecourt

Karl spoke to Irish Trucker magazine about his life in the business and his hopes for the future of the company, which he took over in October 2004, along with his wife Margaret, who is also managing director of K&M Nutley Ltd t/a Slane Hill Motors.

Slane Hill Motors provide the full range of the latest Kia and Isuzu vehicles, and other top brand models for purchase, lease and contract hire at very competitive rates. They also hold a stock of over 50 top quality used vehicles at any one time in their new used car showroom.
Previously owned by George Doyle, the company has a large customer base that the team have increased during their two short years at the premise.

The Sales team, l/r: Wayne Kevlin, Philip O�Reilly, Karl Nutley

Slane Hill Motors are main dealers for Isuzu and Kia, two reliable makes that Karl revealed are very good sellers both in the new and used vehicle sections.
“Both are very good brand names and that reflects on our sales, which have been very impressive since we took over the business two years ago.”
“The Kia has been selling very well, while the Isuzu D-Max and Cobra are also highly sought after. Next year, there is a new Trooper being launched and we are looking forward to that.”
The Isuzu Trooper Commercial has been long regarded as one of the best vehicles in its class and is a favourite with many for a number of years now.

The Isuzu Trooper is designed with the versatility of selectable 2WD/4WD shift-on-the-fly up to 62 mph (high range only). On the road in normal conditions, 2WD aids economy and reduces wear and noise. When conditions turn nasty, formidable 4WD traction is but the touch of a button away. As it is of course when you want to get off the beaten track and tackle tough terrain. Shift into 4WD low range and you'll have the grip and control you need for almost anything nature can throw at you.
At Slane Hill Motors, the highest level of servicing is provided. Open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm, they offer regular servicing, body repairs and diagnostic work. Their skilled staff will be there to help out, should a customer need their services.

Some of the Slane Hill Motors staff. From l/r: Cormac Reynolds, Parts and Service; Maria Mooney, administration; Conor Farrell, parts/service

“We found that by opening until 4pm on a Saturday is beneficial to the customer and indeed ourselves. Most people are usually busy on a Saturday morning and find that they don’t have the time to look at a potential new vehicle until after lunch,” he revealed.
“A lot of our customers tend to arrive from 2pm onwards and that is why we stay open so late at the weekend compared to other companies that close at 2pm.”
The Meath-based motor dealers pride itself on after sales as Karl has had many years experience in this field of expertise. In fact, he has worked with some of the best known dealers in the country such as H.B Dennis Motors and B.K Motors where he held the position of after-sales managers with both businesses.
“I started with H.B Dennis in 1980 and had two spells with them before moving to B.K Motors in 2000. During the four years I was there I built up their after sales and since taking over my own dealership, we pride ourselves on having an excellent after sales service in place.

A brand new Izuzu on display at Slane Hill Motors

“Customer satisfaction is our main aim and by providing a comprehensive after sales service, we feel that this has helped us retain our large customer base.”
Slane Hill Motors carry a full stock of parts for every eventuality. Should the worst happen, and the customer needs to replace a vital component, you can be sure their helpful friendly staff will be on hand to advise and provide a comprehensive parts service. The parts department is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm.
"Selling a new car is only half the job, but the quality of service is what brings back the customer and we are very grateful to all our repeat customers, who have stuck with us down through the years.
"We have a very dedicated and motivated staff that knows our fleet of light commercials, vans and cars inside out. They offer the best service to the customer and they play an important part in the ongoing success of the company,” he said.

Having cars and light commercials sitting side by side on the same forecourt represents a window of opportunity for the company, according to Karl.
“There is strong cross-over between the three. Our commercials customers will look closely at the Kia range when they go out to buy a car and vice versa.”
Many may feel that being situated in Slane could be a drawback for the business as larger towns like Drogheda and Navan, who both have many car dealers are in close proximity, but the owner revealed that customers are coming from further a field to have a look at their stock.
“We are definitely in competition with companies in Drogheda, Navan and indeed as far as Dundalk and Dublin. We believe we have a decent share of the market and our large customer base is testament to that.”