BURLINGTON, Ont. -- Hitachi Capital America (HCA) has created a Canadian branch of the company called Hitachi Capital Canada (HCC). The Burlington, Ont.-based firm will initially target the truck transportation market in Canada, building on its US relationships with several major truck manufacturers, according to officials. Hitachi Capital Canada will provide dealer-focused retail and floor plan financing, the company announced.
“Our US manufacturing relationships are looking forward to Hitachi providing the same level of support for their dealers and customers in Canada as we do in the US,” said Bob Otto, senior vice-president and general manager of HCA’s automotive division.
To facilitate and expedite its efforts in Canada, HCC, with the assistance of Hugh Swandel, senior managing director of Alta Group in Canada, has entered into a marketing and servicing agreement with CLE Leasing Enterprise, based in Quebec and Ontario.
“CLE is an ideal partner for Hitachi to expand in Canada as CLE specializes in providing financing for small and medium sized businesses throughout Canada with in-depth expertise and knowledge of the transportation and used truck markets,” said William H. Besgen, president of HCA, and now also president and CEO of HCC. “CLE can instantly provide the market experience required to support the Hitachi platform for outstanding service capabilities.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Hitachi in order to bring their brand of financial services to Canada” said Luc Robitaille, President of CLE. “We are confident that this move will also help us expand our customer relationships and continue our own growth in Canada by sharing Hitachi’s commitment to service values and jointly growing our market share.”