Penske Australia and New Zealand made a strong statement at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, showcasing not only its core truck offerings but also the breadth of its diversified operations under the theme “The Power of Penske.”
While Western Star and MAN trucks took centre stage, the stand also featured a Porsche 963 hypercar – a symbolic nod to Penske’s racing heritage and high-performance DNA. Managing Director Hamish Christie-Johnston drew a direct line from Roger Penske’s early days racing Porsches to today’s expansive Penske empire, which now employs 1,500 people across Australia and New Zealand and is on track to generate $2 billion in revenue by 2025.
Western Star: Built for Australasia
Craig Lee, Executive General Manager – On Highway at Penske AU/NZ, highlighted the growing success of the Western Star X-Series, a line-up purpose-built for Australia and New Zealand. The 48X model displayed featured multiple bunk options, including a 60-inch sleeper, and pairs the latest Detroit driveline technology with a design tailored for local conditions.
Fuel economy and reliability have made the X-Series a compelling proposition for fleet operators, with strong feedback and growing repeat purchases. Lee also announced the launch of a new Western Star enthusiast platform, “Star Nation,” designed to connect fans and operators of both legacy and new Western Star models.
MAN: European Power Meets Local Support
The stand also saw the Australian debut of the Lion S – MAN’s premium European cab-over, with the first delivery going to TNS. The 640hp unit joins a growing MAN range that includes the robust TGS and TGX models.
Built in Germany, tested in Australia, and supported locally by Penske, the MAN trucks on display reinforced their reputation for delivering outstanding return on investment. Lee emphasised the company’s push for uptime guarantees, performance, and customer satisfaction across the range.
DETROIT: Proven Durability
The Detroit engine line-up was again a crowd favourite, featured both at the Penske stand and in the dedicated Detroit Plaza upstairs. On display were the latest DD13 and DD16 Euro 6 engines, alongside the DT12 AMT transmission.
Detroit’s long-standing reputation for durability and efficiency was reinforced with real-world customer data showing strong fuel performance and reliability. Two years into its latest engine rollout, the Detroit driveline continues to impress both operators and technicians with its simplicity and serviceability.
Joining the Dots
Penske also took the opportunity to highlight how its diverse operations – from truck distribution and aftermarket parts to energy, mining, and even Porsche dealerships – combine to deliver a rock-solid platform for truck operators.
Christie-Johnston described the Penske business as an “iceberg,” where the visible truck operations are underpinned by a deep and diversified network of supply, service, and performance DNA. This multi-industry reach supports the company’s ambitions to expand its dealer network and improve customer service across all its brands.
Community, Performance, and the Future
With the launch of “Star Nation” and the alignment of brand storytelling across Western Star, MAN, Detroit, and even Porsche, Penske is working to build community as much as product loyalty. It’s a move that speaks to the growing importance of brand identity in commercial vehicle purchasing decisions.
In a show full of power, precision, and sustainability messaging, Penske’s presentation stood out for its ability to tie performance heritage to real-world fleet outcomes – delivering uptime, efficiency, and a growing support network to Australian truck buyers.
From high-horsepower workhorses to cutting-edge drivetrain technology, the Power of Penske was more than a theme – it was a clear and deliberate message to fleet managers: Penske is here to deliver more than just trucks. It’s delivering business-ready solutions backed by experience, performance, and long-term commitment.
