International Trucks importer Intertruck Distributors has appointed a new sales, parts and service dealer in Auckland.

And Intertruck will integrate its own Auckland branch operation into Prestige's Wiri business, with service, parts and admin staff moving to Prestige.

Intertruck national sales manager Hugh Green also moves to Prestige International and will continue to sell trucks for Intertruck nationally.

The deal, says Intertruck MD Comer Board, "ensures that we continue a high level of performance our customers expect."

He says that the "labour shortage crisis in Auckland led to a number of qualified technician positions remaining unfilled in our workshop.

"Although non-qualified mechanics are available, these applicants do not meet our company's standards. It's imperative such standards are never compromised. That would affect vehicle repairs and vehicle safety."

He says that Prestige International owner Ricky Simonsen "provided our solution: Soon to exit from a service agreement with another franchise, Ricky approached Intertruck to be a sales, service and parts dealer for the International brand."

Board says that Prestige is "immune to the labour crisis owing to a simple formula; Ricky is a hands-on owner/service dealer who has gained tremendous respect from his employees and customers alike, resulting in his retaining longterm staff."

The deal will see Prestige with over 30 staff, including 22 technicians/mechanics, two in-house auto-electricians and three parts staff. It will also have a light engineering capability, all in one location.

The deal, effective last month, begins "a new era" in International's parts and service in Auckland, Board says.