Daimler Truck brands Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner will soon have a general distributor locally in New Zealand.

Keith Andrews Holdings, which currently has the distribution rights for Fuso vehicles and parts through its wholesale organisation Fuso New Zealand, will soon take over the distribution of fellow Daimler Truck brands Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner.

Currently, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner vehicles are distributed in New Zealand by Daimler Truck Australia Pacific based in Mulgrave, Victoria.

Daimler Truck Australian President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said the distribution change will benefit New Zealand customers.

“The general distributor model will deliver the best outcome for Daimler Truck customers in New Zealand because no one knows local customers better than locals,” said. Whitehead.

“The team at Keith Andrews has helped Fuso become a successful brand in New Zealand and we are confident they will enable Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner to reach their full potential.”

As a Daimler Truck Regional Center, Daimler Truck Australia Pacific will continue to provide support to New Zealand customers by delivering the best-in-class technology, products and services to Keith Andrews and its New Zealand dealer network.

Keith Andrews Holdings executive director, Kurtis Andrews, said the team is looking forward to serving all Daimler Truck customers across New Zealand as the distributor for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner brands, in addition to Fuso products.

“We are delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the distribution of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner trucks in New Zealand. From our role of selling and supporting these brands over many years, we know how much value customers can extract from these class-leading products.

“We’d like to thank Daimler Truck for its faith in our hard-working team at Keith Andrews, which is excited to show the full potential of the amazing Daimler Truck products in New Zealand,” Andrews added.

Currently, Keith Andrews represents Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner retail in the North Island, and CablePrice represents the two brands in the South Island.

To deliver all New Zealand customers the full benefit of the general distributor appointment, Keith Andrews Holdings is working with CablePrice regarding the ownership and operation of selected Fuso, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner sales and service sites in the South Island.

Keith Andrews Holdings aims to maintain all existing operations and personnel to determine a smooth transition and maintain the current high level of customer support.

“CablePrice has been a fantastic partner of Daimler Truck in New Zealand and we are thrilled they will continue to provide their exceptional customer support at a number of their existing locations,” Whitehead said.

The exact details of the distribution change will be finalised and communicated closer to implementation, which is expected sometime early next year.