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Daimler marks passing of Freightliner figure Ian Bruce

Tribute paid to executive who championed the brand in Australia

 

Daimler has expressed its gratitude to the life and insight of truck expert Ian Bruce on his passing this month.

Bruce, whose career spanned trucks, cars and aircraft, was a sales and marketing executive at Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Mulgrave, Victoria.

His “vast truck industry experience meant he could see the potential of the Freightliner brand, which Mercedes-Benz acquired in 1981”, Daimler says.


Freightliner in Australia is set to see new tech advances. Read about it here


“He pushed hard for Freightliner to invest in a right-hand drive truck program and eventually had two FLC prototypes built and sent to Australia for evaluation.

“Freightliner then engineered the second generation FLC 112 in right-hand drive, which proved a hit from the moment of its Australian launch in 1989.

“Many of those original trucks are still plying their trade on Australian roads, demonstrating Ian’s faith in the product.

“Ian retired soon after the launch of the truck he worked so hard to bring here, ending a stellar career that started at Melbourne’s H.W. Taylor Motor car accessories back in 1938.”

Daimler Truck and Bus CEO and president Daniel Whitehead, pays tribute to Bruce.

“Ian identified the massive potential of the Freightliner brand in Australia and dedicated eight years of his working life to bring it here,” Whitehead says.

“We are very grateful to Ian for his role in introducing Freightliner to Australian customers and are determined to continue his legacy.”  

 

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