As the annual dealer awards season continues across the industry, both Paccar brands, Kenworth and DAF have announced their outstanding dealers for the 2023 calendar year.
DAF announced its Dealer of the Year at the annual dealer conference last week with Kenworth DAF Huntingwood named the 2023 winner of the DAF Dealer of the Year. It’s the first time Kenworth DAF Huntingwood has been awarded the accolade since its introduction in 2002.
The award was presented to Kenworth DAF Huntingwood General Manager, Zane Jamieson.
Paccar says that the DAF Dealer of the Year program is structured to reward the best performing dealer within the organisation’s dealer network and recognises superior performance across the business including customer relationships, facilities, parts and service, finance performance, market share, growth, and aftersales support.
Paccar Australia’s Managing Director, Damian Smethurst presented the Dealer of the Year trophy, congratulating Zane for the dealership’s landmark achievement to take out the highly coveted DAF award for the first time.
“Kenworth DAF Huntingwood, has been a valued member of our dealer network since 1981. It is wonderful to see Suttons Group having celebrated their 80th anniversary in 2023 and it is a credit to everyone at Huntingwood who has ultimately contributed towards winning this award”, said Smethurst.
Zane Jamieson echoed those comments, saying that without the entire dealership’s support the award would not be possible.“It means so much to everyone. Our DAF customers and their commitment and faith in us drives us to be better every day” said Zane.
Director Craig Sutton said “to win the DAF Dealer of the Year award is a fantastic honour and something we are very proud of. The Huntingwood team lead by Zane and Glenn are heavily focused on DAF and continuing to grow the brand”.
Kenworth DAF Huntingwood, also known as Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood, part of the Suttons Group, was first established in 1946 and is one of Australia’s longest serving truck dealerships.
Meantime Kenworth DAF Wodonga has been named Kenworth Dealer of the Year for 2023, the eighth time the dealership has taken out the prestigious award.
The Wodonga operation was also awarded the 2023 PACCAR Financial Dealer of the Year, adding to its long list of achievements.
Damian Smethurst, presented the award to Justin Brooks, David Burn and Chris Dziedzic, from the Wodonga dealership, congratulating the team on its extraordinary customer advocacy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.
“The Kenworth Dealer of the Year award is not about who sells the most trucks, but which dealer provides the best overall performance for the customer. Kenworth DAF Wodonga epitomises this and is a very deserving winner,” said Smethurst.
Chairman and co-owner, Chris Dziedzic said he was so proud of David Burn and the wonderful team for taking out the most prestigious award in the Australia/New Zealand Transport Industry.
“Working with such an incredible partner as PACCAR, along with our wonderful suppliers, has made our goal of delivering the world’s best, Australian-made trucks possible. Match this with the support of our fantastic, loyal customers and we have the perfect recipe for success,” said Dziedzic.
“I am so proud to have handed over the Dealer Principal reins to David and to see his development. This achievement has benefits for both our people and the business from a brand reputation point of view and reinforces that we are the best of the best,” he added.
“I would also like to thank the entire Paccar Australia team, the best partner in the business. Paccar continually exceeds expectations, consistently delivers quality trucks, parts and aftersales support, and we value this support. Lastly and most importantly, we have the best customers who support TCTC. We look forward to the future and the continued journey together, Thank you!,” he concluded.
Kenworth DAF Wodonga also referred to as Twin City Truck Centre was established in 1979 and is situated on the New South Wales and Victorian border. Since this time, the dealership has also been the recipient of the PACCAR Parts, Service and PACCAR Financial awards.
