Construction of three new dealerships to get underway ahead of welcoming Mazda, the first of three new brands, to its portfolio.
Armstrong’s, one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned automotive groups, is today unveiling the latest stage of its long-term growth plans for the Auckland market – with the construction of the first of three new Botany-based dealerships, scheduled to get underway in the coming months.
Armstrong’s Group Chair, Mark Darrow, tasked with leading the Group’s expansion plan says: “This significant capital investment reflects almost five years’ of strategic property acquisitions and forward planning.
“This timeframe and level of care is characteristic of the approach Rick has consistently applied since founding the business in 1993 and reflects our commitment to supporting the continued success of our 18 automotive brand partners.
“In 2014 we launched into the Auckland market with Auckland City Toyota in Grey Lynn and Mt Wellington, followed by Greenlane. At this time we identified East Auckland was being severely under-serviced, and Ti Rakau Drive stood as a natural transport nexus. At this juncture we saw an opportunity to start laying the foundations to one-day become New Zealand’s leading automotive dealership group.”
“By 2017 we opened our first dealerships for Mercedes Benz and Hyundai, followed closely by Nissan, Peugeot and Citroen in 2020. As this strategy continued to deliver strong results, we acquired two more properties – where in 2022 we’re now moving to develop 257 Ti Rakau Drive,” says Mr Darrow.
“Today, Armstrong’s operates what we believe to be the premier automotive precinct in East Auckland – representing Mercedes Benz, Hyundai, Nissan, Peugeot, and Citroen with further brands imminent,” he adds.
Commenting on the latest developments Armstrong’s Chief Executive Officer, Troy Kennedy, adds: “We are extremely excited to also be announcing that we have been selected to represent Mazda in Botany from late 2023.
“This is a huge honour and we’re set to start construction on their 257 Ti Rakau Drive dealership in the coming months.
“Continuing to diversify our portfolio with a brand like Mazda is an amazing opportunity. It is without doubt one of New Zealand’s most-loved automotive brands and we look forward to serving their customers in the Armstrong’s way.
We look forward to sharing more detail about our expansion plans as they come to life, and as we continue to invest in the brands we proudly represent,” adds Mr Kennedy.
About Armstrong’s
Founded in 1993 Armstrong’s today operates 16 dealerships and represents 18 global automotive brands across the Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland markets.
In January this year Armstrong’s announced it will be relocating its existing Toyota Mt Wellington operations to a newly leased two-hectare site at 8 Forge Way in Mt Wellington (Auckland), previously occupied by Fleet Partners. The site will be used to house an expansive Toyota dealership for Auckland City Toyota, which is currently situated on a smaller neighbouring site. The move increases the dealership size and capacity by over five-times the current site and can accommodate more than 500 cars. The 4,000sqm floor area will house a large showroom on the lower level, customer facilities, a large parts area, 24 servicing and wash bays, and plenty of customer parking.
