Simon Elliott, who headed Chrysler UK last decade and later ran VW Group Ireland, has taken the managing director's seat at Intercounty Truck & Van.

Intercounty Truck & Van sells Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and FUSO Canter light trucks from six dealerships in the east of England.

The dealer group, and its Northern Ireland-based owner, Ballyvesey Holdings, said the appointment represents a coup for the business as Elliott "brings a formidable track record of achievement" at vehicle manufacturers' national sales companies in the UK and overseas.

His most recent role was UK managing director of MAN Truck & Bus, where he gained his first experience of working in the truck sector.

“I was looking for a fresh challenge and the prospect of joining Intercounty Truck & Van, a dealer that represents the industry’s benchmark truck and van products, has excited me from the outset,” said Elliott.

“This is a business with huge capacity for growth. We have some great people, fantastic facilities, and are backed by a well-funded owner which, through its various different interests, knows the road transport industry inside out. On a personal note, meanwhile, this is ‘home ground’, as I live near Northampton and grew up in Lincolnshire.”

“The foundations for success are already in place. My job is to provide leadership, and to ensure that customer service remains at the very top of the agenda as we address those issues which have been holding us back.

"I have proved repeatedly that I have the energy and expertise to ensure that the businesses for which I am responsible perform to their full potential, and I’m determined that the same will be true of Intercounty Truck & Van.”

The appointment has been welcomed by Mike Belk and Steve Bridge, managing directors, respectively, of Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans, both of whom worked alongside Elliott during his time with DaimlerChrysler.

“Simon has considerable experience in this industry and I am looking forward to working with him to further develop the truck business of Intercounty,” said Mike Belk. “He joins the network at a decisive time concerning the implementation of more dedicated truck operations and we share a determination to ensure that operators of Mercedes-Benz and FUSO trucks receive the best possible sales service and after sales back-up.”

Steve Bridge added: “Simon has enjoyed considerable success within the retail car and van sectors. He brings this experience and knowledge to our business at the perfect time, given our ambitious growth targets and the arrival early next year of the stunning X-Class, the first pickup to wear a three-pointed star. The Mercedes-Benz Vans team look forward to working with Simon, and wish him every success in his new role.”