DEVELON

Bobcat dealers from Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Panama City, Panama, in early May for the 2012 Dealer Meeting. This was the first meeting for these dealers since the acquisition of Bobcat and Portable Power by Doosan.

The main topic of the gathering was to continue building on the strong relationship between Bobcat Company and the dealers of the region. In addition, the meeting was dedicated to understanding the issues affecting the dealer network, such as rental fleets, used equipment sales, parts and service support.

Additionally important was the interaction between the dealer’s leaders and the support staff available to them, to understand their requests in areas such as continuous business education, ongoing dealer communication systems, sales support, and service and parts training.

The gathering was a two-day event, opened by remarks from H.E. Ahn, General Manager, Sales & Marketing AP/E, and Mike Merlo, Vice President, Latin American Operations. They welcomed the participants and stressed the opportunity for everybody to able to share ideas and promote the growth of the company and dealers at all levels.

The business session at the event provided dealers with our company’s vision for the future, the current state of the business and the tools available to dealers to grow their business. Oscar Fernandez, Sales Director Latin America and Caribbean, and his team of District Managers presented to dealers the state of the business and the approach and emphasis the company will provide to the dealers for growth.

On the second day of the meeting, there were four individual sessions with dealers, where the following topics were covered:
• New markets and applications
• Used and rental equipment markets
• Aftermarket, Parts & Service
• Sales structures at the dealer level.

From this session, the dealers were able to exchange ideas on how business is conducted in the different countries and how they could apply these ideas to their individual dealerships.

Two guest speakers gave presentations at the event. Dr. Claudio Loser, who holds a Ph.D. in Economics, provided dealers with prospects for economic development in Latin America. Juan Pablo Bayona, a motivational speaker, shared with the dealers tips for improving oneself.

Bobcat equipment was displayed on the property of the hotel, and the dealer personnel and their spouses enjoyed the hotel setting on a Panamanian beach. The group also enjoyed a tour of the Panama Canal Zone, where they saw the canal in operation and learned about its history of more than 100 years in operation.

At the end of the event, dealers said their expectations had been met, and that Doosan recognizes the value dealers bring to the company. In addition, the event was an opportunity for dealers to network with each other and gain valuable information on how business is conducted in the different countries in the region.


↓ Bobcat equipment was displayed on the grounds of the hotel in Panama City.