Suzuki GB’s Jon Coles has taken responsibility for all the company’s dealer divisions retailing Suzuki motorcycles, cars, ATVs and marine equipment.
Coles, who had been general manager of aftersales services, now has the title of general manager of dealer development.
That role was previously held by Mark Hallam, who retired in March.
Coles has a team of eight and is responsible for all aspects of network development including onboarding of new dealers, sales training, regular ‘mystery shop’ customer experience exercises and corporate identity.
Jon brings a total 25 years’ brand experience to the role, including working within its dealerships in his early career as a technician and then service manager.
He joined Suzuki GB in 2007 as technical coordinator in its aftersales division, before progressing to the role of regional sales manager and then technical manager and onto his recent role, in which he was instrumental in the creation and launch of its service activated warranty to both Suzuki car and motorcycle owners.
Coles said: “I am very much looking forward to settling into my new cross-divisional role in dealer development with key responsibilities to include helping ensure that Suzuki remains the number one brand for trust as well as supporting our network to be fully prepared for the transition to an EV range from 2025 through to 2030.”
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As editor, Tim is responsible for the media content, planning and production of AM’s multiple channels (AM print and digital magazines, website, social media and contributing to our events planning). He interviews and writes about as many franchised dealer groups and UK divisions of motor manufacturers as possible, to explore the issues facing UK motor retail and understand what solutions dealers and suppliers are using to overcome these.
