Jac and Higer Increase NZ Sales Reach
WMC see the new arrangement, which came into effective from 1st July, as a positive
move that will increase the sales reach and penetration for its Higer and JAC brands in New Zealand providing strong existing infrastructure, expertise and customer service via the Wheelans Motor Group and the existing dealer network.
Phil Wheelans will take direct control of the Higer and JAC master franchises in New Zealand, while the separate but wholly owned Phil Wheelans Truck and Van Sales will continue selling and servicing Fuso trucks and other brands under separate management.
The Wheelans Motor Group has been a Higer bus and JAC truck dealer since January 2012 and has a long history in New Zealand as a Daimler Group truck dealer selling Mercedes Benz, Fuso, Sterling and Freightliner. The company also operates a large-scale truck and trailer rental business.
According to, Phil Wheelans, the opportunity to sign on as the master franchisee for WMC in New Zealand was too good to pass up and offers great potential for both Wheelans as well as the WMC brands.
"I have been to China and visited the JAC, Higer and Cummins plants as well as the recent Beijing Auto Show and it is clear China is going to play a key role in the world's transport needs for some time to come," said Phil Wheelans, managing director of the Wheelans Motor Group.
Phil Wheelans and his team will take all responsibility for operations in New Zealand including sales and marketing, parts distribution and dealer management. Wheelans will be making further investment in both parts and vehicle inventory to ensure support for all New Zealand customers no matter what brand they purchase.
While Wheelans Motor Group is the master franchisee, the existing WMC dealer sales network in NZ will be maintained. Although WMC Group will no longer maintain a direct factory office in New Zealand, it maintains the distribution rights to Higer and JAC for that country.
