Barry Maney Group (BMG) Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier has been awarded the prestigious title of 'DAF Dealer of the Year' for 2014, at PACCAR Australia's recently-held national dealer event in the Hunter Valley.

In taking out the coveted prize, the Barry Maney Group saw off strong competition from more than 42 dealerships throughout Australia.

To be crowned DAF Dealer of the Year, points are awarded across five main criteria, including general dealership performance, truck sales, customer service, finance and parts support.

The sought-after award was presented by PACCAR Australia's Managing Director, Mike Dozier, who said that the Barry Maney Group was a worthy recipient.

"To be awarded DAF Dealer of the Year involves a long-term commitment to our customers. It's not just about achieving strong sales results, it's about offering our customers consistently high standards across sales, service and parts departments," Mike said.

"For DAF's continued success in Australia, it's vitally important that our buyers have an enjoyable and hassle-free ownership experience, and the Barry Maney Group Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier has definitely proven itself in this regard - I congratulate the team on an excellent effort."

Barry Maney Group Dealer Principal, Jim Cornolo, said the Mt Gambier team had set themselves high goals throughout the year and were delighted that their hard work had paid off.

"The award was a team effort and is a reflection of the hard work, commitment and dedication of the Barry Maney Group Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier team," Jim said.

"It's rewarding to know that our customers are being well looked after and satisfied with all our dealership services - every link in the dealership chain has performed in helping us win this prestigious award.

"Our dealership has also been well supported by PACCAR Australia, and we're delighted to be involved with the DAF brand. The latest DAF product range is excellent and I believe that the award will help provide DAF with stronger recognition amongst prospective buyers."

Barry Maney Group Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier's facilities include large showroom areas, a 14-bay workshop (with several drive-through bays capable of servicing B-Doubles) and features new tooling such as wireless truck hoists.

Another invaluable piece of new technology in the service area is a VTEQ Roller Brake Tester, a machine that allows technicians to achieve consistent and repeatable results for brake tests on individual wheels leading to improved vehicle safety and productivity.

If customers choose to stay on site while their truck is being attended to, they can make full use of a well-appointed driver's lounge with shower and change room facilities, refreshments area and other amenities.

For those who have purchased a new or used truck from the group, the recently-opened, dedicated pre-delivery workshop means that all vehicles sold are immaculately presented before being handed over to customers.

Aside from the main facility which is conveniently located at 199 Jubilee Highway West, Mount Gambier, the dealership operates several service and parts outlets via authorised partner companies, ensuring excellent support coverage for DAF customers.

The Barry Maney Group employs approximately 100 staff across its various franchises and is the largest automotive / commercial vehicle employer in Mount Gambier.

General Manager, DAF Trucks Australia, Rob Griffin, said that DAF had enjoyed a market share record in Australia last year, and the strength of the DAF dealer network was one of the reasons for the brand's success.

"First and foremost we acknowledge the great work undertaken by the Barry Maney Group over the last 12 months, they've done a sensational job for us and are a deserving winner of the award," Rob said.

"We're also very proud of the current DAF product range, it is the best we've ever had. At our disposal we now enjoy a range of high quality and well specified trucks that are helping the brand make good inroads into the Australian market.

"But again without the passion and dedication of dealerships such as the Barry Maney Group Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier, it would be a lot more difficult to take care of the needs of DAF customers and to achieve our longer-term sales ambitions."

DAF Trucks Australia, a division of PACCAR Australia, distributes a complete range of medium and heavy-duty trucks throughout Australia. PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company, is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

Photo caption: From left to right: Andrew Hadjikakou, Director of Sales & Marketing, PACCAR Australia; Jim Cornolo, Dealer Principal, Barry Maney Group Kenworth DAF Mt Gambier; Mike Dozier, Managing Director, PACCAR Australia.

For further information: