Global automotive distributor Inchcape has completed the acquisition of Great Lake Motor Distributors Group’s operations, New Zealand’s local dealer of LDV and SsangYong vehicles.
The British-based company will now take over the retail side of both car brands across five dealerships in Auckland, Taupo, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Inchcape states that the addition of LDV and SsangYong to its product portfolio covers key segments that support its goal of offering a range of mobility solutions to New Zealanders, including electric vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and SUVs.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t Inchcape’s first foray on our shores as it has been the exclusive importer and distributor of Subarus since 1992.
Wallis Dumper has held the Managing Director position of Subaru of New Zealand since 2010 and will now be responsible for Inchcape’s local operations as its Managing Director as well.
“I am excited for our partnership with LDV and SsangYong, and Inchcape’s expanded presence in the New Zealand market. We look forward to combining our local expertise with our leading digital and data capabilities to grow the business further and deliver an enhanced experience journey for our customers,” says Ruslan Kinebas, CEO of Inchcape APAC.
“This announcement is yet another example of Inchcape’s Accelerate strategy in action, delivering on the Group’s ambition to expand our global footprint and be the undisputed number one distributor of choice.”
Rick Cooper, Director of Great Lake Motor Distributors, expressed his best wishes to Inchcape as it expands its local presence.
“It’s been a fantastic ride over the past decade with thousands of LDV and SsangYong vehicles on the road in New Zealand. The success of the brands has been on the back of the dedication of a fantastic group of staff who have lived and breathed the business beside us,” says Cooper.
“The opportunity to pass the baton to Inchcape, a global leader in the automotive industry, was one that couldn’t be passed up. We will look on with interest as they build the brands to the next level, as we see the business we have created transferred to the best hands we could have hoped for. We wish Inchcape and our loyal staff all the very best for the ongoing success of the group.”
