Velocity expands in Canada, adding a dozen stores

Velocity Truck Centers (VTC) has further expanded into Canada with the acquisition of First Truck Centre. The acquisition was announced on Nov. 1. Velocity says the acquisition of First Truck, with 12 locations in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, adds the largest group of Daimler Truck dealerships in Western Canada to the Velocity network.

Today, Velocity has 63 locations in the United States, including 11 body shops, offering coast-to-coast coverage of commercial vehicle sales, service, parts, collision and fabrication services as well as equipment financing. Combining the 12 locations from First Truck, and its 15 locations in Mexico, Velocity now has 93 locations in North America, and another 18 in Australia for a total of 111 worldwide.

Across this network Velocity focuses on speed, value and trust, bringing unparalleled customer focus, including two-hour Express Assessment, Elite Support Certification and equipment financing through its Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance division, the company says.

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“We are very excited to welcome the First Truck Centre team to what is the most comprehensive commercial vehicle sales, service and support network in North America. It has been a pleasure to work with the Olson family and First Truck executive team through this process. The continuity of the First Truck Centre leadership team will enable us to achieve the best of both worlds — a Canada led team with total focus on the market, supported by the resources, processes and functional teams of the Velocity organization,” say Brad Fauvre and Conan Barker, co-presidents of Velocity Truck Centers. “We want to personally welcome everyone from First Truck Centre to the Velocity organization, and we look forward to meeting customers throughout Western Canada in the coming months.”

First Truck President and CEO Rod Graham adds, “The union of our two highly principled and professional organizations made sense. The alignment of core values, team-first philosophy, education and training opportunities, unique Daimler Truck opportunities, and degree of increased resources that will support both our customers and employees is what led us to the decision to become a key geographic pillar of Velocity Vehicle Group.

“This acquisition sets the foundation for continued growth in Canada. We look forward to better serving our customers through size, scope, scale, sophistication and safety.”