Jim Johnston has been named president of Autocar Trucks, according to Andrew Taitz, chairman of GVW Holdings Corp. of Highland Park, Ill.

Johnston comes to the Autocar post from McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing of Dodge Center, Minn., where he was vice president and general manager of the Refuse Division.
"I believe Jim is an excellent choice to lead Autocar," said Taitz in announcing the appointment. "His customer driven focus and his deep knowledge and experience in the refuse industry will be an invaluable asset in meeting the needs of Autocar's customers." Johnston takes the top post at Autocar a little over two years after the company was formed in a transaction that brought the Xpeditor product line from Volvo Trucks to Autocar. He had been with McNeilus for 16 years, serving in a variety of leadership and management positions in the McNeilus organization.
During his six years with McNeilus Refuse Division, the company's sales of refuse bodies grew 106%, moving from fifth to first place in the business. He also oversaw the expansion of the company's service network from seven facilities to 74.
Autocar LLC is a manufacturer and marketer of low-cab-over-engine (LCOE) Class 8 trucks. The company's products are sold into an array of heavy vocational truck markets, primarily in refuse and waste disposal. Autocar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Grand Vehicle Works Holdings Corp. of Highland Park, Ill.