The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) is rebranding itself to take a nationwide view.

The CVIAQ is changing its name to Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), saying it wants a more national focus and push Queensland-specific services across the country.

Attendees at the group’s annual general meeting gave the move unanimous support.

CVIAQ president Bob Martin will become the first HVIA president.

“The vote cannot be interpreted as anything other than a ringing endorsement of the plan to provide for a strong national voice dedicated to advancing the interests of the heavy vehicle industry,” Mr Martin said.

“It’s with no small measure of pride that I can say that I was the last serving president of the CVIAQ and the first of the new HVIA.”

Chris Musch will stay on as vice-president, while Anthony Dore, John Edwards, Nathan Usher and Ian Taylor will return as directors.

But members bolstered the new national perspective by electing three new directors from outside of Queensland - Mario Colosimo of Maxitrans, Peter Langworthy of Dana Australia and Nick Stavrakis of SAF Holland.

“We are delighted at the calibre of the candidates who have stepped up to make the HVIA a reality,” Mr Martin said.

The AGM also granted life memberships to recognise the efforts of past presidents Ray Smithers and Rob Brown.