PACCAR has named a South Australian business as its DAF Dealer of the Year.
BMG Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier was honoured with the 2018 DAF Dealer of the Year in an awards ceremony in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Andrew Hadjikakou, Managing Director PACCAR Australia presented the Dealer of the Year trophy to BMG Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier Dealer Principal, Jim Cornolo, congratulating the dealership for winning the hotly contested DAF prize and crediting them for their benchmark performance.
Based on the dealer’s performance across all areas of their DAF business, the DAF Dealer of the Year award acknowledges excellence in customer support in a high performing business PACCAR said in a statement.
It’s the second time BMG Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier has been recognised with the award following a win in 2014.
The Mt Gambier dealership, which is part of the Barry Maney Group, was also presented at the event with the 2018 PACCAR Financial Dealer of the Year award.
PACCAR Australia’s Andrew Hadjikakou said key factors in the success of the dealership had been its ability to be a consistent high performer over a long period and sustain a culture that focuses on delivering quality customer service.
“2018 was a big year for PACCAR Australia with the first locally produced DAF CF85 rolling off the line at our Bayswater facility in August,” he said.
“Backed by the support of the Australian dealer network, we are dedicated to providing DAF customers with a quality product, excellent sales and service support,” said Hadjikakou.
“BMG Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier is an excellent example of a DAF dealer. Constantly exceeding their customers’ expectations, they strive to deliver the highest level of support across all areas of their business. They are a first class dealership and one that continuously invests in staff, equipment and facilities.”
BMG Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier Dealer Principal, Jim Cornolo, said the award was a group effort and the team had worked hard throughout the year to achieve the DAF Dealer of the Year title.
“A lot of work goes into what we do and the staff has been exceptional, whether it’s trucks, parts or service, I can’t speak highly enough of all the people in the business,” he said.
“Everyone does a terrific job – we’ve really focused on our customers and supporting them in every way possible. The DAF range is engineered to the highest standards and is well suited to a variety of applications, from inner-city delivery to regional and national delivery. Supported by a team of professionals we are able to offer DAF customers a full lifetime ownership experience with modern equipment and facilities.”
“We are also supported by exceptional customers. There are often challenges, which we meet head-on and the customers continue to support us.”
New Zealand’s Southpac Trucks was awarded the Kenworth Dealer of the Year from a field of more than 25 dealers across Australasia.
It was the second consecutive year the dealership which has branches in Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North and Christchurch and head office in Manukau City has won the award.
“Southpac’s ongoing commitment to the industry and continued investment in its people and facilities is commendable, providing customers with the latest products and services and industry know how,” said Hadjikakou.
Maarten Durent, Southpac Trucks CEO, dedicated the award to his team.
“We are again honoured to win this award and for being recognised as the top performing dealer among an excellent cast of dealers,” he said.
“The relationship we have with our customers is paramount to our success, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service and support,” said Durent.
“The Southpac team is committed to quality in all they do and has made winning this award possible.”