Sales executive Richard ‘Canters’ to award glory

Wolverhampton-based truck sales specialist Richard Mason has won a prestigious award from Mercedes-Benz.

Richard works for the German manufacturer’s West Midlands franchisee, which has just undergone a change of ownership and now trades as Midlands Truck & Van Ltd.

He beat off the challenge of counterparts from dealerships nationwide to land the Mercedes-Benz Canter Sales Executive of the Year trophy for 2010.

The award recognises Richard’s outstanding performance in retailing an impressive 27 Fuso Canters last year – the popular Japanese light truck range is sold and supported by Mercedes-Benz dealers in Britain, and all sales executives responsible for supplying vehicles bearing the legendary three-pointed star also sell Canters.

Richard stepped up to collect his prize at the annual awards ceremony of the Mercedes-Benz Truck Sales Masters motivation and reward programme.

He was one of only 12 sales executives nationwide to be admitted to the elite Truck Sales Masters Diamond Club, whose members were rewarded for their outstanding efforts during 2010 with a short break to Hong Kong.

A keen cyclist, Richard lives with his wife and their nine-year-old daughter in Perton. He has worked for the dealership for more than 20 years, having begun his career on the administration team but then quickly moved into his first sales role.

“Mercedes-Benz trucks represent the pinnacle in terms of engineering excellence, fuel-efficiency and environmental compatibility,” said Richard, “which explains why the Mercedes Atego is the current holder of the prestigious International Truck of the Year title, and why our flagship Actros range has won the same trophy on no fewer than three occasions.

“But I’m also a big fan of the Canter, which is very strong and reliable, compact and manoeuvrable, and in the 7.5-tonne segment also offers an outstanding payload which equates to high productivity. What’s more, the Canter’s new, low-emission Euro 5 EEV engines are also exceptionally clean and kind to the environment.”

He continued: “While it’s great to have won this award I’m certainly not resting on my laurels. I’m striving to make 2011 another successful year and relying, once again, on the invaluable support of my colleagues.”

Vincente Connolly, National Dealer Sales Manager – Truck for Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “Our congratulations go to Richard, whose dedication and commitment to providing a first-class customer service is second-to-none. His loyalty to the Mercedes-Benz and Fuso brands, and to vehicle operators in the Black Country, is also outstanding.”