Iveco Group is making significant changes to its New Zealand operations.

In an announcement from Australia, Iveco says it is taking full responsibility for sales in New Zealand and ending agreements with its three independent dealers. Iveco Group’s local vehicle sales operation is to be consolidated at its Wiri facility in South Auckland.

The decision is the latest restructuring in the supply and distribution of Iveco vehicles. Late last year it was announced the Iveco plant in Dandenong, Victoria would close from mid-2022 and the brand would transition to a fully imported vehicle range supported by a customisation facility for Australasia.

Iveco Group says the sales decision is based on the desire to form even closer relationships with its New Zealand customer base, with a view to better servicing its needs. It estimates the Auckland site already accounts for 86% of vehicle sales in New Zealand, meaning most buyers will be unaffected by the move.

The operational change will mean that three existing dealerships will cease sales of Iveco vehicles in October. Iveco Group has invited the affected dealerships to remain part of the network in service and/or parts capacities. It is also in the process of appointing additional service and parts dealers to expand its capabilities in these areas.  

There are currently 21 Iveco service and parts outlets in New Zealand. 

Iveco Trucks Australia Head of Network, Product and Marketing, Ella Letiagina, said that New Zealand was an important and growing market for the brand.

“In recent years Iveco has experienced strong growth in New Zealand, especially since the opening of our flagship sales service and parts facility in Wiri, Auckland during early 2019,” Ms Letiagina said.

“We believe that by concentrating sales efforts at this location we can further streamline our processes leading to greater efficiencies, while also benefiting future buyers who will enjoy a more engaging and seamless customer journey.”

Ms Letiagina acknowledged the contribution that the three impacted dealerships – AdvanceQuip (Auckland), Star Trucks International (Nelson) and Waikato Iveco (Hamilton) – had made during their tenure as Iveco sales dealerships.

“I would like to thank our outgoing dealerships for their dedication to our brand and Iveco customers over the years,” she said.

“And for existing and prospective New Zealand Iveco owners, I reassure them that our new direction will see even more engagement with them and that they’ll be well catered to, not only from a sales perspective, but from a total ownership experience.”

Iveco will be directly responsible for all sales and is expanding its sales team in several regions.

“We are increasing our footprint by adding new sales staff in different regions of the country. It’s a sales model that has proved to be globally successful,” says Iveco dealer principal Barry Woods.

Star Trucks International director Dale Greaves has enjoyed success with the Iveco line-up and hopes his Nelson-based firm can remain involved with the brand.

“My first thought was maybe it’s time to take retirement and get on with enjoying life. But I have two issues with that – my customers and my staff,” says Dale.

“My customers have been extremely loyal to me. Iveco has been good to me and it’s a good brand. I’m confident that Star Trucks will be able to continue to represent the Iveco brand under a new arrangement.

“I want to support my customers with the trucks I have delivered and the ones I have sold that are waiting to be delivered.”

Iveco plans to introduce several new products to the New Zealand market later this year, including the new S-Way model which replaces the Australian-built Stralis.