Experienced heavy transport professional Rob Woods has been appointed as the new general manager for Motor Truck Distributors (MTD).
He starts the role on August 8 and takes over from Clive Jones who left to join transport firm Booth’s Group as group commercial manager.
MTD Trucks, part of Sime Darby Motors, is New Zealand’s sole distributor for Volvo trucks and buses, as well as Mack trucks.
“Rob’s heavy transport expertise and leadership credentials quickly put him at the front of a strong field of internal and external candidates,” Sime Darby Motors NZ general manager Michael Doeg says.
“We’re delighted to welcome him as the new General Manager for MTD.”
Woods began his career with Imperial, one of South Africa’s largest automotive groups, currently responsible for one in three of all car rental transactions, 40% of market in passenger vehicles, and around 7500 heavy trucks.
He was appointed dealer principal for Mitsubishi Cars in his mid-20s, then became Mitsubishi brand manager before moving into heavy transport. By the time he emigrated to New Zealand in 2017, Woods had held franchise director roles at both Freightliner and Hino and gained almost 20 years of experience in the industry.
Once in New Zealand, he worked with Iveco and Isuzu before joining MTD’s parent company, Sime Darby Motors NZ in mid-2021.
“I’m excited and proud to be working with two premium, top-quality brands like Mack trucks and Volvo truck and bus,” Woods says.
“We have a very strong team of people at MTD with great technical credentials and well-established relationships throughout the transport industry. I can’t wait to get started.”
