Farewell to Australia's Freightliner pioneer

The man who introduced Freightliner to Australia has passed away.

Ian Bruce was a sales and marketing executive at Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Mulgrave, Victoria, and his vast truck industry experience meant he could see the potential of the Freightliner brand, which Mercedes-Benz acquired in 1981.

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.

He completed an apprenticeship at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation and worked for a range of brands including G.M. Holden, Ansett, Cummins, Caltex, Kenworth, International Harvester and others.

Ian passed away in Melbourne earlier this month and is survived by his wife, Betty.

Daimler Truck and Bus CEO and President, Daniel Whitehead, paid tribute to Ian this week.

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

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

Trucksales extends its condolences to Ian's family and friends.