Penske Australia has expanded its national dealer network, appointing Trucksmart as its new authorised representative for Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Dennis Eagle, and Detroit in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle region.
Founded more than 30 years ago by Managing Director David Body, Trucksmart has grown from a local workshop into a respected transport business serving both regional and national customers. The company employs over 60 staff, including 17 technicians, and operates a modern 10-bay workshop in Beresfield supported by a 24/7 mobile breakdown service.
Trucksmart will provide full sales, service, and parts support for Penske’s portfolio of heavy-duty truck and powertrain brands from 16 October, following the conclusion of the long-standing North Star Motors dealership agreement.
Strong local foundation
“We are excited to welcome Trucksmart to our Australian dealer network,” said George Konstantinou, Head of Dealer Capability at Penske Australia.
“With extensive experience in heavy-duty European truck sales and support and an expansive aftermarket parts business, David and his team are well-positioned to support our customers.”
Trucksmart’s Managing Director David Body said joining the Penske network marks an important milestone for the family-owned business.
“With 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 highlight for me,” he said.
David noted that Trucksmart shares Penske’s customer-first philosophy and commitment to quality.
“As a proud family business, we are committed to delivering a holistic approach to supporting the heavy vehicle industry — through our sales expertise, expansive parts warehouse, and highly trained technicians,” he said.
“And now, with Penske’s world-class brands joining us, we are excited to continue strengthening that support across the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region.”
A family business built for growth
Trucksmart’s leadership team reflects the company’s strong succession planning and investment in people.
David’s son, Michael Body, leads the parts division, while Jack Walker, who started his career as an apprentice specialising in Penske products, now manages the Beresfield workshop and mobile breakdown operations.
For local fleets, the partnership means improved access to factory-trained technicians and genuine parts for the full Penske range. The expanded service capability is expected to benefit operators managing mixed-brand heavy fleets, particularly those using MAN or Western Star vehicles in demanding applications such as construction, freight, and waste management.
Recognising North Star Motors
Penske also acknowledged the long service of North Star Motors, which has represented Penske brands in the region since 1996.
“On behalf of the Penske team, I’d like to sincerely thank North Star Motors for their dedication and service since 1996,” said George Konstantinou.
“Joe, Mark, and the Sepos family established and continued to build a robust reputation for our brands over decades. And it was truly wonderful to see Joe recognised for his dedication to our industry when he was inducted as a life member into the LRBCA Hall of Fame earlier this year.
The transition marks a new chapter for Penske Australia’s customer support in the Hunter region. With Trucksmart’s established local presence, strong technical capability, and alignment with Penske’s service ethos, fleet operators can expect continuity of support and expanded capacity for sales, servicing, and parts supply across Western Star, MAN, Dennis Eagle, and Detroit brands.
