After more than 30 years in the trucking industry, Trucksmart has taken on the Penske dealership for the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region, stepping into a role previously held by North Star Motors since the mid-90s.
The appointment means Trucksmart now handles full sales, service and parts support for Western Star, MAN, Dennis Eagle and Detroit Diesel out of its Beresfield workshop, all under one roof.
A long time coming
David Body founded Trucksmart in 1992 with just two used trucks. Over the decades, the business grew into one of the larger used truck dealers in Australia. It became an authorised Volvo dealer, built Truck Parts Warehouse into one of the country’s leading online truck parts businesses, and became the Scania parts and service dealership for the Hunter in 2020.
Taking on the Penske brands is the next step in that journey, and for David, it’s also a personal one.
“After decades of experience in the trucking industry, as well as a long-standing involvement in Motorsport that resonates at Penske’s core, joining the Penske network is both a business milestone and a personal passion for me,” he said.
The Body family and the Sepos family, who ran North Star Motors, go back almost 40 years, so the handover was a natural fit.
Who these brands are built for
The Penske range covers a broad spread of the heavy vehicle industry, and different operators tend to gravitate toward different brands for good reason.
Western Star is popular with mining, construction and heavy haulage operators who need a tough, configurable truck built for demanding conditions.
MAN works well for linehaul and fleet operations. Operators choose it for fuel efficiency and long-distance reliability.
Dennis Eagle is the go-to for waste collection and municipal work. Councils and contractors use it because it’s purpose-built for the job.
Detroit Diesel engines power a wide range of trucks. Many operators in the Hunter are already running them.
Having local dealer support for all four means operators in the region can get sales advice, servicing and parts without leaving the area.
What’s on offer from Beresfield
From our Beresfield location, Penske customers can access new truck sales across Western Star, MAN, Dennis Eagle and Detroit, workshop servicing and repairs from a 10-bay facility with 17 technicians, parts support through Truck Parts Warehouse, and 24/7 mobile breakdown service across the region.
To enquire about a new truck, book a service or get parts support, call 02 4028 6441 or email newtrucks@trucksmart.com.au
