Long-time Isuzu dealer Patterson Cheney Trucks has strengthened its presence in Melbourne’s southeast, with the opening of its new truck sales, service and parts branch in Pakenham, on the far eastern side of Melbourne.
The company says new site will complement its well-established heavy vehicle dealership and service and parts centre located in the north eastern suburb 
of Keysborough.
Patterson Cheney’s close ties with Isuzu apparently date back to the early 1970s when Isuzu first started sales in Australia under the umbrella of GM-Holden,, with the Japanese trucks being initially branded as Bedfords, that was until it was realised that the British GM owned truck brand did not necessarily have a reputation worth preserving that old English brand name. Pretty soon reality dawned and the Isuzu brand was used, with the result being it never looked back with the brand having just celebrated 36 years of consecutive truck market leadership in this country.
Isuzu paid tribute to Patterson Cheney, which was a leading Holden dealer for the many decades the Holden brand ruled the Australian automotive market, by pointing out with the family-run company has played its part in the Isuzu brand’s 36-year reign as Australian truck market leader.
The opening of the new 12,000-square metre facility coincides with Isuzu’s preparations to introduce an all-new model line-up in the next few months.
Isuzu Australia leadership was on hand for the grand opening in February, celebrating the milestone as a win for its Victorian customers.
“Patterson Cheney is truly part of the Isuzu fabric in Australia, and they continue to strive for the very best for their customers,” noted Isuzu Australia director and chief of sales and aftersales, Ben Lasry.
“This new branch has been some years in the planning, and we’re thrilled to see it all come together and help celebrate Patterson Cheney’s level of commitment to the Isuzu brand,” said Lasry.
“It’s an exciting time for Isuzu, our dealers and customers; the need for quality heavy vehicles is there and we’re absolutely confident we have the right product and people to ensure our shared business is successful on every front,” he added
Patterson Cheney general manager John Elliot said the Melbourne-based automotive group was thriving in-line with market demand.
“Melbourne’s southeast continues to grow and the timing for not just a new facility, but the next generation of the dealership, was just right,” Elliot said.
“Patterson Cheney and Isuzu date back to the mid-1970s when the brand first came to Australia.
“Together, we have seen the relationship prosper and enjoy the success of 36 consecutive years of sales leadership,” he said.
“The new facility looks great and will look even better when the new models arrive. It really is a game changer for the Southeast corridor, the timing couldn’t be better,” Elliot added.
The new facility offers Isuzu customers sales, service, parts and support under one roof
The large workshop includes 12 truck bays and 26-metre service pits—one with built-in play detector shaker plates—an inground roller brake tester and a full-length overhead gantry crane. A double wash bay with a drive-over and underbody truck washer also sits next to the workshop.
Genuine Isuzu parts and accessories are stocked across a 260-square-metre warehouse space with a mezzanine level and a 60-square-metre parts showroom, while for customers, the new facility offers h a driveway service drop-off and a fully appointed customer lounge, and is expected to employ an additional 45 automotive, service and parts personnel for the Patterson Cheney group.
“Patterson Cheney has proudly provided not just employment opportunities over the years but has ensured many people have long and storied careers in the automotive sector,” said Elliot.
“We will continue to do this at our Pakenham branch, operating with a highly experienced team, and will continue to focus on creating a pathway for the next generation of employees.
“The heavy vehicle business is dynamic—with the right facility and people, we know that Patterson Cheney will continue to set high standards with the Isuzu brand,” the dealer boss said.
