Navistar Inc. on Thursday, May 6, announced five changes in its dealer network that it says will significantly strengthen its distribution and service channel. “As conditions in the truck market continue to put more pressure on our customers, we are committed to providing them with North America’s most complete and capable dealer network,” says Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American Truck Group. “Through the addition of these five new dealers, we are demonstrating our commitment to bring the best talent available into the International dealer channel.”
Following the purchase of two International Truck dealerships in southern Georgia by Yancey Bros. Co., Yancey Truck Centers recently was launched with four full-service sales, parts and service locations in Albany, Blackshear, Tifton and Valdosta, Ga. Founded in 1914 and recognized as the nation’s oldest Caterpillar dealer, Yancey Bros. Co. is one of the largest providers of equipment, machines, parts and service in the eastern United States, with more than 25 locations across Georgia.
Four International Truck dealership locations in West Virginia, today known as Heritage International, were purchased by Gary Kale, chief executive officer of Heritage Equipment Inc. Kale has years of experience serving the unique needs of the West Virginia market, especially customers in the coal industry.
During the past week, Navistar completed sales of two company-owned dealerships to private investors. The International Truck dealerships – one located in the Phoenix/Tucson market and the other in the Indianapolis market – have been transitioned successfully to industry veterans Robert Cunningham and Shelby Howard, respectively. Howard has operated successful commercial truck dealerships in Indiana since 1992 and has a proven track record of award-winning dealership performance, having won multiple Dealer of the Year awards. Cunningham has worked in the transportation industry since 1973 and has held executive leadership roles, including CEO, with one of the nation’s largest truckload carriers. In the late 1990s, Cunningham owned and operated one of the nation’s most successful commercial truck dealerships in the Phoenix area.
Rush Enterprises recently announced an agreement to purchase certain assets of Lake City International, which currently operates five locations in Utah, five locations in Idaho and one location in Oregon. Founded in 1965, Rush Enterprises operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America with vehicle and equipment centers in 11 states throughout the Southern United States. The proposed acquisition will enable Rush to expand its geographic footprint further across the Western United States. The company also operates Rush International Truck Center in Charlotte, N.C.
“Solidifying our customer support capabilities in these important markets has been a priority for Navistar,” says John Whitnell, Navistar vice president of distribution. “Despite the challenges of the current business environment, Navistar has continued to look for opportunities to improve the structure and capability of the already strong International dealer network. We will continue to focus on the strength of the International dealer organization as an important differentiator for our customers.”
