Hamilton's Taylor Motors take over Stawell Toyota with confidence in industry

COVID-19 has had an "up and down" impact on the motor industry but owner Adam Taylor said he was confident in the long term goals for the business.

"When COVID first hit people weren't travelling so servicing had really dropped off," he said.

"We were already deep in negotiations about taking over the Stawell business.

"We decided in June to pull the trigger and take the plunge."

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Mr Taylor said the newly acquired business "fits in well" with the business in Hamilton.

"They are similar types of towns with similar clientele," he said.

"It's a great site and great staff which makes it that much easier.

"Knowing what Toyota has in its future plans also gives you the confidence to make these kinds of decisions at this time."

The Taylor family are in their third generation of the motor industry. Mr Taylor's grandfather started selling cars in Hamilton more than 60 years ago.

"My father took on the Toyota name in Hamilton when it became available," he said.

"Stawell is now a new and exciting time for the business.

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"My father, Ian and sister Renee are all heavily involved in the business."

Mr Taylor said the coronavirus pandemic had lead to some challenges while working in car yards.

"We take all precautionary measures we can," he said.

"Everything is sanitised pre and post servicing and test driving.

"We're quite strict with that. We are treating ourselves like we have COVID and like everyone else has it as well.

"We've been mindful of what we touch and our movements around the workshop."

Mr Taylor said he loved being part of smaller communities and believed they were a great place to bring up families.

"I think there are great benefits to be in regional Victoria," he said.

"I've done some research and it looks like Stawell is one of the many few regions in Victoria that will experience a positive growth into the future.

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"It greats me great pride I can provide an opportunity for 14 staff to live and stay in the region.

"Each and every one of my staff has a place within the community and have been in the industry for a long time."

Mr Taylor said some changes around the business will be identified by residents as time goes along.

"One thing we've done straight away is pulled back our servicing prices to fall more in line with a price that I think is affordable given the current financial situation people are facing with their workplaces," he said.

"We're looking into redeveloping the site as well - I know previously it's been mentioned it might not be happening.

"We're also looking into some community events, backed by Toyota but we're just waiting to see what's happening with the coronavirus pandemic."

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