Isuzu, New Zealand's longtime best-selling heavy truck make, has a new Kiwi head.
Former national sales manager Dave Ballantyne has been appointed general manager of Isuzu Trucks NZ, filling the role left vacant by the resignation of former GM Colin Muir.
Ballantyne, who has been with the company for almost three years, thanks Muir for a smooth transition: "It's been a seamless handover process and I look forward to building on the great work he did cementing the Isuzu Truck brand as the country's leading supplier of new trucks for 19 consecutive years.
"I am committed to maintaining our excellent record in the NZ marketplace and am also looking to introduce some new initiatives which will continue to enhance our competitive advantage."
Ballantyne's career has been devoted to the trucking and earthmoving equipment industries, in NZ and Australia – that including experience with a number of makes.
Says Ballantyne: "I have a real passion for Isuzu Trucks and the industry as a whole, so look forward to strengthening the team, stepping up customer experience and seizing every opportunity to enhance the brand."
GM Holden NZ managing director Marc Ebolo says Ballantyne's appointment "is recognition of his achievements as national sales manager over the past two and half years.
"He has proven himself in the market and the results speak for themselves. The dealer network is strong, while aftersales service and customer satisfaction continue to rise.
"Dave inherits the business in excellent health. I have every confidence he will build on the success of the brand and Isuzu has every opportunity for securing a 20th consecutive year as Number One in the market."