Freightliner Buys Canadian Dealer

Freightliner Corp. purchased Freightliner Mid-Ontario of Mississauga, Ontario, the largest Freightliner dealer in Canada, with 225 employees and three locations in the Toronto metropolitan area.

The dealership carries all medium- and heavy-duty Freightliner truck models and Freightliner Custom Chassis vehicles. It also sells fire and emergency equipment made by American LaFrance, a Freightliner subsidiary.

Brad Thiessen was appointed general manager of business in Ontario. He joined the company from a major engine manufacturer, where he was the general manager for truck engine sales, parts and service.

Two of the three former owners of Freightliner Mid-Ontario, Barry Talbot and Ed Ranft, sold their interests to pursue other opportunities, Freightliner said.

Talbot will continue operating Freightliner dealerships in Winnipeg and Brandon, Manitoba.

The third principal, Ed Stoodley, remains with the dealership as general sales manager.

Freightliner now owns seven dealerships in North America, along with SelecTrucks, a network of used truck superstores.