About
Us.

At CAL, you drive us. We want your business to grow so you can do more. And we’ll be here to help you every step of the way.

Our History

Our history is relevant not because we want to talk about ourselves, but because it tells you a lot about who we are and what drives us.

Our position as one of New Zealand’s largest truck businesses was won by hard work and by a sense that we always had to challenge the status-quo.

It all started, not in a boardroom or an office, but on the front lawn of a state house in Hamilton where, following his passion for engines and love of getting some oil under his fingernails, Raman Parbhu started reconditioning and selling trucks.

As the business grew Ashok joined his brother and the business developed. As they added scale and ambition they first added used Japanese imports, then they added their first Isuzu dealership, then another and another. As part of this growth support services and facilities were developed to ensure exceptional service – and today CAL is one of New Zealand’s largest integrated commercial transport support companies.

It didn’t come easy, it has been built on hard work, and we’re not done yet. Our desire to be able to offer better service to anyone who uses a truck to make their living drives us. New Zealand Drives Us.

About us

Our
History.

Our history is relevant not because we want to talk about ourselves, but because it tells you a lot about who we are and what drives us.

Learn More

ASHOK PARBHU
Managing Director

1987

Commercial Autos Wreckers was established by Raman Parbhu as a small family business. He quickly built a reputation for buying and selling quality used Japanese trucks.

1992

Raman’s brother Ashok joined the business, bringing his extensive knowledge of accounting and commercial law. We were renamed to Commercial Autos Limited.

1996

CAL had grown rapidly and exploded into its new premises on State Highway 1, just north of Hamilton. With this move, came the expansion of the mechanical workshop. Speciality engineering, coach building plus panel and paint facilities added more benefits for our customers.

1997

Our family experienced the sudden and tragic loss of our founder, Raman. While this shook the team, Ashok managed to drive forward with Raman’s original vision. CAL continued to succeed despite the odds.

2008

The continued growth of CAL throughout the 2000s culminated in CAL securing the master Isuzu franchise for the Waikato region.

2012

CAL acquired Stevenson’s, TCL trucking operations in Auckland and the Northland region, securing our position as the leading truck retailer in New Zealand.

2016

We achieved record truck sales for our dealership with 704 new trucks sold. CAL ISUZU – Hamilton was also named “Metro Group Grandmaster” for the fourth year in a row. This is the highest General Motors dealership honour awarded globally.

2017

By 2017 we had sold over 3,760 new trucks in 10 years and were now the largest CAL>ISUZU dealership in New Zealand. We’re still about family and taking care of your needs first.

2019

We expanded our footprint in the Waiakto and Auckland regions by purchasing NZ Trucks from AB Equipment.

2020

Despite COVID-19 affecting the globe CAL>ISUZU was still successful in winning “Metro Group Grandmaster” for the eighth year in a row.

2021

CAL increased its footprint by purchasing land in Auckland in Allens Road, Tamaki. This is currently under development plans and we are very excited for its opening.

2022

It has been a year of change and growth for CAL. We opened a brand new, fully-fledged dealership in Whangarei to better service the Northland region.

As 2022 came to a close, we announced after 35 years that we are only just getting started – with a complete brand refresh. We also announced a new CAL>Engineering department, where our team can take any truck and make it better than ever.

Ashok Parbhu

Managing Director • Based in Hamilton

Ashok and brother Raman were the founders and cornerstone of CAL>ISUZU from its first days of the early 1980’s. Since Raman’s untimely passing in 1997, Ashok has been the sole owner and Managing Director of the growing trucking giant.

Ashok lives and breathes trucks and more importantly ISUZU trucks and he has gone out of his way to build a massively experienced and loyal team that has been with him for over 25 years of extraordinary success. Outside of the CAL gates you will find Ashok relaxing and enjoying time with his wife on their beautiful Waikato lifestyle block.

Shaneel Mandri

Group Engineering Manager

With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Shaneel joined the CAL team in 2013 as a fitter welder after completing his qualification as a mechanical engineer. His expertise and dedication led him through roles as a design engineer and lead designer, before stepping into management. In 2022, Shaneel was appointed Group Engineering Manager, where he has been instrumental in expanding CAL’s Engineering department.

In his spare time, Shaneel enjoys fishing, playing golf, and competing in snooker tournaments.

021 659 594

Derek Sheerin

Branch Manager – Tauranga

With nearly 50 years of experience in the automotive trade, Derek Sheerin is a highly respected professional in the industry. After moving to New Zealand in 2004, Derek has dedicated 20 years to working in Isuzu dealerships, earning numerous accolades. His achievements include winning the Isuzu Technicians Guild seven times between 2004 and 2011 and representing New Zealand in the Isuzu I1GP competition in Tokyo, Japan, where he secured a Silver medal with a 2nd place finish. With 14 years of experience as a Service Manager, Derek has been instrumental in his team’s success, contributing to multiple awards and recognitions for service excellence.

Outside of work, Derek is passionate about restoring old motorcycles to concours condition. He stays fit through weight training and enjoys scuba diving, holding a PADI open water diving certificate.

029 574 5395

Jared Keenan

Dealer Principal – Auckland

Appointed as the Dealer Principal of Auckland in 2024, Jared Keenan brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the truck industry. He joined CAL Isuzu in September 2021 as Group Sales Manager and quickly made an impact, thanks to his lifelong exposure to truck showrooms and workshops.

Jared’s journey with CAL Isuzu began in 2016 as a New Truck Sales Representative, where his natural affinity for truck sales and industry knowledge helped him excel. His expertise spans Isuzu products, industry regulations, and bodybuilding requirements.

Before returning to CAL, Jared spent several years working in the European truck market, gaining valuable insight into various industries and the diverse needs of customers. His focus on building long-term, productive relationships has helped him lead one of the highest-performing sales teams in New Zealand.

Outside of work, Jared enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. When time permits, you’ll find him riding his motorcycle or exploring the great outdoors.

021 801 712

Alex Boles

Dealer Principal – Hamilton

Appointed Dealer Principal of Hamilton in 2024, Alex has been a part of CAL Isuzu’s journey for over a decade. He first joined the team in 2012 when CAL acquired Stevenson’s TCL, where he had worked as an apprentice since 2006 and completed his road transport qualification in 2010.

Following the acquisition, Alex was invited by Ashok to remain with CAL Isuzu. He began as an Assistant Service Manager, later becoming Service Manager. His extensive industry knowledge and leadership skills led to his promotion to Hamilton Branch Manager in April 2022, setting him up for his current role.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors and developing his lifestyle block.

021 641 987

Thomas Neylon

Branch Manager – Whangarei

Thomas joined the CAL>Isuzu team in December 2020 as a New Truck Sales Representative in the Auckland region, and in April 2023 stepped up to become the Branch Manager of CAL’s newest branch in Whangarei.

After cutting his teeth in a small private workshop, he moved to one of Auckland’s largest Franchise Dealerships, with a focus on American & European vehicle diagnostics & repairs. It was here he transitioned into sales with the Jeep & Ram Trucks brands, before making the switch to Heavy Vehicles & CAL>Isuzu.

With over 10 years’ experience in the automotive industry, Thomas has gained immense technical knowledge. He loves to work together with customers to find solutions for issues – no matter how big or how small.

Outside of work, Thomas is an avid golfer, follows all forms of motorsport, and loves spending time with his family.

021 371 305

Tewis Slabbert

Finance Manager

Tewis joined the CAL team after working as an accountant in the automotive and accounting industry for more than 10 years. With extensive experience as an accountant, Tewis is now excited to move into the role of Finance Manager. His passion has always been the automotive industry and enjoys how every day brings new and interesting challenges.

In his spare time, Tewis loves getting out into the great outdoors, whether that’s camping, fishing, or playing golf.

Afzer Zameer

Business Performance Manager

As our Business Performance Manager, Afzer makes sure that all of our core business functions run like clockwork.

Afzer has a wide range of experience within the finance industry and has held a variety of roles in industries including FMCG, manufacturing, public practice, and dairy. He has a passion for all things numbers and cares about creating great outcomes for our business and our customers.

Outside of work, he likes to spend his downtime relaxing at home and enjoying time with friends and family.

ENQUIRY

We give
a truck.

Whether you are requiring a full customised truck or some minor upgrades to your current vehicle, talk to us and we can work through this project with you.