The Isuzu Dealership Management Program (IDMP) was introduced to equip dealership leaders with the advanced skills needed to drive performance across the Isuzu Dealer Network.
For the past 12 years, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has delivered the IDMP to current and emerging Dealer Principals, General Managers, and Senior Managers within the Isuzu Dealer Network, as well as selected participants from IAL’s head office.
Isuzu says the IDMP is part of a broader suite of learning opportunities that includes the Isuzu Dealer Executive Program (IDEP), the Isuzu Departmental Leadership Program (IDLP), and other development initiatives.
“The program provides a deep dive into the Australian trucking industry, along with insight into sales and management practices across the entire dealership business, resulting in a university-recognised postgraduate-level qualification,” said IAL Head of Network Development, Nathan Ton.
“We believe it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from a wealth of industry experts with practical hands-on experience, alongside the modules and coursework.
“It is a significant commitment for our Isuzu Dealer management staff who participate, but we also know it pays off for the hardworking individuals who give it their all.”
The program is led by experienced educators with academic and automotive industry backgrounds, to provide participants with practical insights grounded in real-world dealership operations.
The program also includes keynote presentations, educational dealership site visits, and workplace-based assessments.
To date, over 70 people have graduated from the IDMP.
Back in April, a new group of Isuzu Dealers completed the program and received their IDMP certification.
Jorden Gordon, Financial Controller of Blacklocks Isuzu in Wodonga, was among the recent graduates.
“Learning alongside dealers from across the country was a terrific experience, the IDMP provided a wide range of perspectives and the opportunity to share our experiences and network with each other,” said Gordon.
“It has given me renewed confidence to work closely with my peers at Blacklocks Isuzu with a greater understanding of how, as a team, we can look at ways of providing further customer benefits.
“Isuzu has done a great job in putting this program together, and I recommend it to others in senior roles at their dealership.
“The investment in the dealer network with programs such as this helps develop critical thinking skills and tools that are not only beneficial for me in my role, but also the entire dealership team and, most importantly, our customers.”
Ton added that participants have shown great enthusiasm and commitment towards the program.
“We also know that the effects of providing additional education opportunities like this are cumulative, as participants take the experience back to their dealerships and impart that knowledge to their staff,” he said.
“And importantly, these benefits all flow through to Isuzu trucks’ customers, ensuring that they continue to be on the receiving end of the best business practices in the industry.”