THE Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia (CVIAA), representing the interests of the commercial vehicle industry at a federal level, has elected Clive Polley to the position of president.

A committed advocate for the commercial vehicle industry, Mr Polley has previously held the positions of CVIAA president and executive board member of the Motor Trades Association of South Australia (MTA SA) since 1990 and has been a member of the MTA SA Commercial Vehicle division from 1983.

He has been a member of several government advisory committees, substantially contributing to policy concerning the commercial vehicle sector.

Mr Polley has a strong industry background, having held the position of dealer principal of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, Adelaide, before starting Adelaide-based Independent Components, which specialises in commercial vehicles, component imports, vehicle sales and repairs of major components for commercial and industrial applications.

He also holds formal qualifications in business management, accounting, finance, and marketing, along with an official trade qualification in the automotive industry.

The commercial vehicle industry, as COVID-19 has highlighted, is essential to a functioning economy and its voice must be represented at all levels of government.

Mr Polley said: “There is a lot of work still to do, but I am excited to take on the challenge and contribute my many years of commercial vehicle industry experience in assisting members and raising the profile of our incredible industry.”

The CVIAA thanked outgoing president Phillip Hodges for the enormous contribution he had made during his years at the helm and wished him well in his future endeavours.

By Neil Dowling