As the annual dealer awards season continues with more glittering trophies being handed out than at the Oscars, Daimler Trucks has revealed its best dealers of 2019 with the major gong going to Murwillumbah Truck Centre on the far north coast of NSW, with the country dealer being named the 2019 Daimler Dealer of the Year.
Owned and operated by the Bedser family since 1981, Daimler says Murwillumbah Truck Centre has become the ‘go-to location for Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso customers in Northern New South Wales and beyond’.
It was an emotional bitter-sweet occasion for the Bedser family with patriarch and founder of the business, Bill Bedser passing away the day before the award ceremony.
Josh Bedser accepted the Daimler Dealer of the Year award at a ceremony in Melbourne last week on behalf of his father and current dealer principal, Steve Bedser.
Josh Bedser dedicated the award to his grandfather, who founded the business.
“Bill was hugely influential on our business and emphasised the value of community,” Josh said.
“As the family business, we carry on this tradition of always investing in our people and the people in our region,” he added.
The Daimler Dealer of the Year award honours the best performing dealer across the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso brands.
Daimler Truck and Bus President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said Murwillumbah Truck Centre, which opened a new dealership in Mayfield St last year, was a customer-oriented business.
“For decades, Murwillumbah Truck Centre has shown an unwavering commitment to its customers and is there for them at every stage of the ownership experience,” Mr Whitehead said.
“It is a family business with strong links to the local community and provides exceptional service across all three Daimler brands, making them a very worthy winner of this award.”
Murwillumbah Truck Centre also took out the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Regional Dealer of the Year award and Adam Bedser was announced as the Fuso Truck and Bus Service Manager of the Year.
Daimler Trucks Laverton won the Mercedes-Benz Metro Dealer of the Year award and the trophy was presented to Dealer Principal, Kevin Purcell.
The Freightliner Metro Dealer of the Year was taken out by Trucks and Trailers Auckland. Dealer Principal, Mark Wright, was on hand to receive the award.
Mavin Truck Centre was announced as the Freightliner Regional Dealer of the Year and the award was accepted by Dealer Principal, Dean Mavin.
The Fuso Metro Dealer of the Year was won by Daimler Trucks Somerton and Dealer Principal, Gary Parker, was presented with the award.
The Daimler Trucks Sunshine Coast won the Fuso Truck and Bus Regional Dealer of the Year, which was received by Dealer Principal, Chris Spence.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks individual awards
Service Manager of the Year: Drew Charlesworth-Smith, RGM Rockhampton
Parts Manager for the Year: Mark Oldham, Daimler Trucks Brisbane
Rookie of the Year: Tom Balaji, Daimler Trucks Laverton
Sales Person of the Year: Tom Balaji, Daimler Trucks Laverton
Freightliner individual awards
Service Manager of the Year: Greg Walker, Mavin Truck Centre
Parts Manager of the Year: Jon Bartlett, Whitehorse trucks
Rookie of the Year: Malcolm Anderson, RGM Townsville
Sales Person of the Year: Mario Agius, Daimler Trucks Huntingwood
Fuso Truck and Bus individual awards
Service Manager of the Year: Adam Bedser, Murwillumbah Truck Centre
Parts Manager for the Year: Terry Haskins, Daimler Trucks Huntingwood
Rookie of the Year: Ben Lewis, Daimler Trucks Sunshine Coast
Sales Person of the Year: Leon Benivento, Daimler Trucks Huntingwood
