A large crowd was treated to a complete showcase of the Ford range of vehicles at the Yarrawonga Ford Grand Opening on Saturday, January 14.
Moira Shire Councillor Judy Heather and Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy MLA were in attendance as guests of honour, together with a wide-range of interested locals and visitors.
The new Ford Raptor, with it’s high performance V6 motor, was of special interest together with the newly released Ford Everist Platinum.
There was also much anticipation expressed by many, in advance of the release of the F Series truck due in the next six months.
This truck is the world’s biggest selling vehicle.
Customers, old and new, enjoyed sharing Ford vehicle ownership stories.
Well-known Yarrawonga local Brian Keenan said as a mostly Ford family, the Keenan’s were pleased to see the Ford flag flying again in Yarrawonga.
“In my younger years the town was able to support five dealerships, so when Holden closed I was fearful that the Pigdon family would be stranded without a new vehicle to sell,” Mr Keenan said.
“We need businesses like Yarrawonga Ford to continue to provide employment and most importantly, apprentice training.
“I’m pleased to see Andrew Pigdon carry on his family’s tradition of serving the community.”
Another longtime customer, Malcolm Browning said that prior to a nearly fifty year history of Holden ownership, his father had several Fords.
“In 1937 he bought a new Ford Deluxe Utility in which he and his wife, Margaret, travelled on their honeymoon,” Mr Browning said.
“Since then, we bought new Ford utilities in 1950, 1957 and a ZA Fairlaine. Currently, I have a new Ford Ranger on order with Andrew at Yarrawonga Ford.”
Jim Judd OAM concluded the well known locals recognition of Ford saying that Judd & Sons have had another brand of vehicles in it’s fleet but now he is driving his second Ranger and loving it.
“With the demise of Holden we need another major brand in Yarrawonga and thankfully Ford could see the need to be back in Yarrawonga,” Mr Judd said.
“Andrew Pigdon will do a great job and will be an excellent Ford dealer.”
Yarrawonga Ford General Manager Andrew Pigdon was delighted with the Grand Opening and expressed his appreciation of so many of his old customers switching to become Ford owners.
“We are indebted to the Value Auto Group allowing us to be part of this family of Ford dealers, enabling us to continue to serve the wonderful people of Yarrawonga-Mulwala with an exceptional service experience,” Mr Pigdon said.
“I am very proud of everyone at Yarrawonga Ford, how they have all adjusted to the new brand and contributed to what I know will be a major Ford presence in the future.
“Our aim is to make Ford number one in sales and service.”