One of the real stalwarts of Volvo truck sales in Australia, Phil Winkless has died after a long battle with cancer.
Phil stepped down and retired as CEO of Truck Centre WA after 11 years in March this year to continue the fight to overcome his illness.
In a statement today Volvo Australia said the company had ‘lost a fierce advocate and transport industry stalwart’
“The story of the Winkless family is also the story of our brands in Australia,” said Volvo Group Australia president and CEO, Martin Merrick.
“Under Phil’s stewardship Truck Centre WA has beenintegral to the success of our business and ultimately the success of our customers,” he said.
“He was tough and uncompromising as a long term head of our dealer council, driven by the needsof TCWA’s customers and the unique requirements of Western Australian industry.”
“Phil Winkless worked within TCWA for over 30 years, 11 of those in charge of the business. His dedication and hard work was instrumental in steering the business through a rapidly changing market environment, ultimately bringing TCWA to the respected and market leading position it currently occupies.”
“He was renowned for his commitment to both staff and customers alike.”
“On behalf of all at Volvo Group Australia I’d like to extend our sincere condolences to the Winkless family on their loss, he will be sorely missed,” said Merrick
Phil’s father Max is considered the founder of the Volvo brand in Australia and was instrumental in bringing both Volvo trucks and cars down under in the 1960s, working as the managing director of Volvo Australia in the 1970s before establishing Truck Centre WA in Perth.
