Navistar Inc. announced that Chicago International Trucks has purchased selected assets of J. Merle Jones & Sons located in Joliet, Kankakee, and Ottawa, Ill.; terms were not disclosed. Chicago International Trucks has full-service locations covering all areas of the greater Chicagoland market, including Chicago, Bolingbrook, Huntley, Carol Stream, Rockford, Grayslake, Geneva, Joliet, Ottawa, Kankakee and Hammond, Ind. These locations will continue to support the market with new and used truck sales, parts and service support as well as full-service leasing, maintenance and rental through the Idealease of Chicago operations.
“For the last seven years, Navistar has been committed to reconfiguring our distribution base here in the greater Chicago market,” says John Whitnell, vice president of distribution at Navistar. “The Chicago market spans from Rockford to Hammond, Indiana, and from Waukegan to Ottawa, Ill. This market represents the eighth-largest market in North America for commercial vehicle purchases. It is imperative for the International brand to have the facilities, people and processes that are appropriately aligned in order to meet the needs of our customers in this critical market. The acquisition of the dealerships previously owned by Dave Jones is the last step in this alignment process. David Gerrard, Chicago International’s dealer principal, is clearly committed to growing our capabilities here in our own back yard. I would like to acknowledge David and everyone at Chicago International for their dedication and ongoing commitment to exceptional customer service.”
Gerrard says Chicago International have been able to successfully consolidate what used to be a very fragmented market with multiple operations. “Now we can extend that knowledge and success into the Joliet, Kankakee and Ottawa markets,” he says. “The opportunities are boundless, and we look forward to growing the International brand and our sales, service and leasing capabilities in those markets. With Chicago International Trucks, customers will get consistent high-quality treatment across the greater Chicagoland area. We are leveraging our experience and building on it with efficiencies of scale. With substantial all-makes parts, new and used truck inventories, customers will have more choices on parts and Class 5-8 trucks. We will also offer a variety of value-added service packages, including more than 200 service bays, mobile maintenance, 24-hour emergency breakdown service, parts delivery, body shops and more.”
