MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (June 21, 1999) — The first dealer to handle Korean-made Hyundai trailers in Canada is West Van Inc., just west of Toronto.

It’s a well-established company that sells, leases, and rents transport trailers, domestic containers, and container chassis. It’s run by president Richard Gladden, who launched the firm 18 years ago. He has 27 years of experience in the Canadian trailer industry.

“This new dealership agreement allows us to provide the best pricing on dry vans, reefers, and plate vans,” says Justin Gladden, director of sales. “West Van will provide financing, leasing, and lease-to-purchase, and we will be adding Hyundai units to our own fleet for our customers’ casual rental needs.”

Hyundai has been manufacturing dry vans and reefers since 1996, and it’s these products that West Van will be selling. They’ve been available in the United States for two years. The giant Korean conglomerate has in fact been the world’s largest maker of containers and chassis for the past two decades.

“This is our first entry into the Canadian market and we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” says Dick Tarpley, vice president, trailer sales, at Hyundai Precision America, the U.S. importer.

“We believe in Hyundai’s ability to build a quality product,” says Justin Gladden. “The marine and domestic container market has been their proving ground. The dry van line will only benefit from this knowledge and expertise.”