Daimler turns to US legend for dealer leadership

Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Daimler Truck and Bus Australia, has secured a truck industry legend from the US to further strengthen its dealership network.

Dan Stevens is a just-retired Daimler Trucks Dealer Principal with more than 40 years of experience, including 14 years as President, Equity Partner and Chief Operating Officer of three major Daimler Trucks North America dealership groups.

The last dealership group he led featured 25 Freightliner dealerships employing 1,100 people and delivering approximately 7,000 new and used vehicles per year.

Stevens will reportedly travel to Australia regularly and visit individual dealerships, run coaching sessions, implement continuous improvement plans, provide consulting services and provide feedback to Daimler Truck and Bus senior management.

Daimler Truck and Bus President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said Stevens will be a great asset.

“Dan has been a remarkably successful dealer for the best-selling truck brand in one of the largest heavy duty markets in the world, so he has a vast amount of knowledge to share,” he said.

Daimler Truck and Bus Aftersales and Network Development Director, Greg Lovrich, said Stevens had already made an impression on Australian dealers.

“We brought Dan out to Australia to speak at a sales conference a few years ago,” said Lovrich.

“He was so impressive and our dealers told us his presentation was extremely valuable.

“So when we had to chance to bring Dan on as an advisor and mentor, we jumped at the opportunity.”

Stevens said he is looking forward to spending more time with Australian Daimler Truck and Bus dealers, who look after the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Fuso and Alliance Truck Parts Brands.

“The timing couldn’t be better to engage with the Australian Daimler dealer network,” he said.

“Mercedes-Benz already offers the best cab-over product in the market and the release of new Freightliner and Fuso models in the next year will mean Daimler products are unsurpassed no matter what work they need to perform.

“The best products sold and serviced by the best dealers is a winning combination on any continent.”

Last month, Daimler Truck and Bus Australia recognised a dealer for setting new standards of customer service in its respective region.

(Image L-R: Dan Stevens with Daimler Truck and Bus President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead.)