PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner Trucks has announced that five Canadian dealerships have been named to its list of 2008 ASPIRE award winners.

The ASPIRE (Acknowledging Sales, Parts and service, Image and Relationship Excellence) program recognizes vision, dedication and persistence of North American Freightliner Trucks’ dealers who push the boundaries of success in sales, service and customer support, according to a statement from the company.

The Summit Award (for dealers who score in the top 10) include: First Truck Centre of Edmonton, Alta.; Freightliner Manitoba of Winnipeg, Man.; Boyer Truck Sales of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and Valley Equipment of Hartland, N.B. The Alpine Award (for dealers in the next 10) went to Services De Mecanique Mobile B.L. of Granby, Que.

“Our ASPIRE winners are the best of the best in setting new standards for sales, service and customer support,” said Jack Conlan, senior vice-president, Customer Support. “Their achievements create satisfied customers and stronger dealer networks. It’s an honor to congratulate our top performing Freightliner Trucks Dealers – the 2008 ASPIRE winners.”

The performance of the winning ASPIRE dealers is especially noteworthy, added Martin Osborne, general manager of dealer operations, because in spite of the current economic climate, the companies continue to excel and – in many cases, have grown. 

“Their consistently high level of execution through superior attention to detail represents a tremendous value to our customers. Daimler Trucks North America is appreciative of their dedication to the Freightliner brand and proud to be associated with them. We thank them for their great work in 2008, and look forward to 2009 with the confidence that they will achieve similar results.”

The dealers received their awards during an event on Amelia Island, Fla.