The Founder:
Ken Bowen
1947: Where It Began
Ken Bowen Motors Pty Ltd, trading as Tipperland, was established in 1947 by Ken Bowen.
Originally operating as Sutherland Motor Cycles, the business began with a small workshop focused on the repair and servicing of motorcycles.
1951: Expansion & Growth
By 1951, the business had expanded to include petrol pumps and a modest showroom, offering sales across various motorcycle brands.
Throughout the 1950s, the business continued to grow with the addition of a modern lubricating service facility, an extended workshop, and the retail of Total Petrol, later transitioning to Golden Fleece, with the iconic yellow merino becoming a familiar sight in the Sutherland Shire.
1958: Austin Motor Company
As the business developed, Ken broadened the offering into small European vehicles and became an agent for several manufacturers.
In 1958, he was approached by the Austin Motor Company through Larke Hoskins to manage the sales and servicing of Austin vehicles, establishing the business as the sole Austin dealer in the Sutherland Shire at the time.
1967: Early Adoption of Japanese Vehicles
In 1967, at a time when there was strong hesitation across the industry, Ken recognised the opportunity and long term potential of Japanese vehicles.
While many were sceptical, he moved early, becoming one of the first in Australia to embrace and support Japanese trucks, particularly the Daihatsu Delta.
That early foresight helped establish what would become a long standing specialisation in Daihatsu Delta trucks, a vehicle Tipperland continues to buy, sell, service, and support today, including specialising in Delta parts and maintaining extensive product knowledge built over decades.
This early foresight laid the foundation for the business as it stands today and the specialised direction Tipperland continues to follow.
Ken was later joined by his sons, Rod Bowen and Michael Bowen, who played a key role in expanding the business and continuing its development.
Tipperland
Evolution of the Business
Established in 1947, Ken Bowen Motors Pty Ltd has remained a longstanding part of the Sutherland Shire automotive industry, built on decades of experience, adaptability, and trusted service.
In 2002, the business evolved into Tipperland, a name that reflects our specialised focus on light trucks and tippers while continuing the legacy established by Ken Bowen.
Following the foundation built by Ken, the business continued under the direction of his sons, Rod Bowen and Michael Bowen.
With the industry constantly evolving, Rod has played a key role in adapting and refining the business, recognising shifts in the market, responding to advancements in vehicle technology, and maintaining a clear focus on what works in real conditions.
Today, Rod remains actively involved in the day to day operations, leading the business with a practical, hands on approach and a strong understanding of customer needs.
Specialist Support & Servicing
Alongside the Bowen family, long standing team members have played an integral role in the business.
Darryl joined Ken Bowen Motors as a young bowser attendant at just 15 years of age and has remained with the company ever since. Through decades of hands on experience and a deep understanding of the business, he has become a key figure within Tipperland and now manages both the Specialist Parts Department and Accounts.
Over time, Tipperland has strengthened its focus, specialising in Japanese light trucks and tippers, supported by a team with hands on experience across sales, servicing, and parts.
All used vehicles are thoroughly assessed, inspected, and serviced through our Specialised Servicing Department prior to sale. We believe ongoing support is just as important as the initial purchase, continuing to assist customers with servicing, maintenance, and parts support long after delivery.
Tipperland also maintains a large range of parts and extensive product knowledge across Japanese light trucks, particularly Daihatsu Delta models, allowing us to continue supporting many older vehicles still operating today.
The Next Generation
Thomas Bowen officially joined the business in 2012, having grown up around the workshop and working alongside both his father and grandfather from a young age.
He went on to complete his apprenticeship as a Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic, gaining further experience with Transdev and NSW Transport.
Today, Thomas leads our Specialised Servicing Department, bringing together formal training, hands on experience, and generational knowledge, ensuring every vehicle we sell is backed by the expertise to support it.
Administration, Operations & Sales Support
Victoria supports the day to day operations of Tipperland across administration, marketing, customer communication, vehicle sales support, and registration coordination, helping ensure customers are supported throughout the purchasing and delivery process.
Our Approach
Our approach is straightforward, supplying vehicles that are built to work, backed by the knowledge, experience, and support to keep them working long term.
Meet the Team
Behind Tipperland is a close knit team with decades of combined experience across sales, servicing, parts, administration, and customer support.
As a long standing family business, continuity and experience remain at the centre of what we do. Many of our customers return to us over decades, trusting the knowledge, support, and relationships that have been built through generations.
When you deal with Tipperland, you deal with people who understand trucks and understand what they need to do for your business.
Rod Bowen
CEO/Vehicle Specialist Manager
Tom Bowen
Specialist Technician & Servicing Manager
Darryl Chapman
Accounts & Specialist Parts Manager
Victoria Hubbard
Administration, Marketing & Sales Support Manager
Baden Blackney
Specialist Technician Apprentice
adam Bowen
Specialist Technician Apprentice
Storm Bowen
Morale officer
Stella (Dumpling) Bowen
Morale officer
