The Wheelans Motor Group has taken on a new role, that of master franchise holder for Chinese JAC trucks and Higer buses.
WMC Group has announced the implementation of a new business model for its New Zealand vehicle distribution operation, which includes closing its own distribution centre and giving the operation to Phil Wheelan, who will run it as a separate organisation to Phil Wheelans Trucks and Vans.
That organisation has until now been one of Daimler Benz and Freightliner dealers for the southern half of New Zealand, but – as reported by Dieseltalk (read story here) – recently that agreement has been dropped, possibly because of the new WMC agreement.
The Wheelans Group has been a JAC and Higer dealer since January this year, and it is seen as a somewhat logical step for it to become the master distributor for the brands.
WMC says the new arrangement – effective from July 1,2012 – is a positive move that will enable WMC to increase the sales reach and penetration for its Higer and JAC brands in New Zealand, by providing strong existing infrastructure, expertise and customer service via the Wheelans Motor Group and the existing dealer network.
According to managing director of the WMC Group, Jason Pecotic, the move is a logical one that will enable the company’s commercial vehicle brands to be taken to the next level in New Zealand.
“New Zealand is a relatively small market, but is still important to us. The appointment of Phil Wheelans and his team at Wheelans Motor Group as master franchisee will ensure we have the infrastructure and the personnel on the ground to service all of our current and potential customers properly.
“Wheelans Motor Group, with operations throughout the north island, has shown in the short time it has been a dealer for WMC that it has the level of commitment and expertise needed to make Higer JAC or any other brands we bring to NZ a success,” he adds.
“Wheelans expertise in the NZ truck and heavy transport business and has already proven invaluable to WMC, particularly in terms of localisation input as we seek to expand JAC sales across the ditch.
“Appointing a master franchisee gives WMC access to the sort of infrastructure and personnel that is vital to grow the business and drive our existing resources.”
According to managing director of the Wheelans Motor Group, Phil Wheelans, the opportunity to sign on as the master franchisee for WMC in New Zealand was too good to pass up and offers great potential for both Wheelans as well as the WMC brands.
“I have been to China and visited the JAC, Higer and Cummins plants as well as the recent Beijing Auto Show and it is clear China is going to play a key role in the world’s transport needs for some time to come,” says Phil Wheelans.
“JAC trucks represent a great example of the pragmatism and ability to provide a vehicle that will do the job well at a great price using known technology with Cummins, Wabco and other recognised suppliers – and our experience has shown us the enormous potential for the brand in the New Zealand market.
“It is the same with Higer and the combination of all of these elements makes it a very exciting opportunity for the Wheelans Motor Group and for WMC,” he adds.
Phil Whelan and his team will take all responsibility for operations in New Zealand including sales and marketing, parts distribution and dealer management, reporting to Shannon Taylor, WMC Group general manager.
Wheelans will also be making further investment in both parts and vehicle inventory to ensure support for all New Zealand customers, no matter what brand they purchase.
While Wheelans Motor Group is the master franchisee, the existing WMC dealer sales network in NZ will be maintained, and although WMC Group will no longer maintain a direct factory office in New Zealand, it maintains the distribution rights to Higer and JAC for this country.
