AUSTRALIA’S biggest independent vehicle importer and distributor, Ateco Group, has appointed Joshua Dowling (no relation) as its new PR manager.

He replaces Oliver Peagam, who was Ateco Group PR consultant for five years and now leaves the role to work on special projects for the Ateco Group.

Mr Dowling is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years’ experience, and a former World Car of the Year judge.

Joshua MAson

He started his career in motoring journalism in 1992 and spent more than 11 years with the Sydney Morning Herald.

Then, after three years freelancing, Mr Dowling moved to News Corp Australia where he spent more than five years as national motoring editor before joining Drive.com.au.

He was appointed a World Car of the Year judge in 2009 and only recently retired from that position.

Mr Dowling said: “After more than 20 years of reporting on the car industry I now have the privilege to work with a diverse portfolio of brands – LDV, Renault, RAM, Maserati – in one of the most competitive automotive markets in the world.

“Throughout my career I have always admired and respected Ateco, which has an unparalleled record of bringing new car brands to Australia.

“Ateco is also well placed to assist established brands who want to right-size their business for Australia.”