Mack Trucks celebrates 50 years in New Zealand

In News, Mack•3 Minutes•By NZ Trucking magazine•February 25, 2022

Motor Truck Distributors (MTD) is celebrating 50 years of assembling, selling and supporting Mack trucks in New Zealand – and Mack owners are invited to join the fun at a special anniversary event.

The anniversary event will be held at on Saturday 22 October at Manfeild Park, Feilding, in conjunction with the Manawatu Car Club’s Octoberfast event. The celebration will include a display of approximately 200 Mack trucks from throughout the country.

MTD will bring the demonstration of Mack history up to date with a new Evolution Model Super-Liner, featuring the latest improved Mack and Volvo Group technology. The 6×4, 685hp (510kW) with mDRIVE tractor unit is all-black and comes complete with the special Mack 50 Year custom package – plus a few extras. The very first Mack assembled at the Palmerston North will also be on display.

MTD first secured exclusive rights and began assembling Mack trucks from CKD (Completed Knocked Down) kits in 1972. This continued until 2000, when manufacturing was moved to the Volvo Group Australia factory in Wacol, Brisbane. The proud heritage of customising Mack trucks for every buyer continues at the MTD premises in Palmerston North.

MTD has created a unique logo to mark the 50-year milestone. It features a New Zealand silver fern, designed to reflect the pattern and shape of the bonnet side vents that are a feature of Mack trucks.

Every Mack customer is invited to join MTD and celebrate the milestone by upgrading their Mack with a Mack NZ 50-Year Customer Package. This included custom king bars, ‘Texan’ bumper, exhaust shrouds, personalised kick panels, interior roof lining, door cards, and badges.

“50 years is a fantastic milestone for any company to reach, and here at Mack and MTD, we couldn’t be more proud. We would like to recognise all those people who have played their part, big or small, in helping Mack reach that milestone in NZ,” comments Stu Wynd, the national sales manager for Mack New Zealand.

Mack owners are invited to register their interest in bringing their truck and being one of the 200 participating in the celebratory event. As well as enjoying the food stalls, raffles, displays, and access to car and truck racing, Mack owners will also have a chance to drive the Manfeild Park track at the conclusion of Saturday’s racing. Visit 50years.macktrucks.co.nz for more.