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Colonial buys dealership

Posted on 24 July, 2014
Colonial buys dealership

Jeff Gray is retiring from Jeff Gray European Ltd effective from August 18 – with Jeff Gray BMW being sold to the Colonial Motor Company (CMC). From its origins in Hawkes Bay in the late 1970s, the Jeff Gray Group has expanded by acquiring the BMW dealership in Palmerston North in 2000. This was followed by further growth into Wellington seven years later and Christchurch in 2009. The dealerships in the capital and Garden City also feature Mini as part of their new-model portfolios. “One of the many enjoyments representing BMW, aside from the fantastic product, is the people I’ve met over the course of more than three decades,” says Gray. “This includes customers who quickly become great fans of BMW and Mini, as well as having passionate and loyal staff. I feel honoured to have been part of BMW’s dominance in New Zealand since the beginning.” As part of Gray’s retirement, Jeff Gray BMW has been sold and all directors have divested their interests. “Jeff Gray – by way of dealerships that carry his name – is an integral to BMW in New Zealand,” says Nina Englert, managing director of BMW Group NZ. “The group represents BMW in Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North as well as Hawkes Bay, the area in which the Jeff Gray legacy first started and where he’s most widely recognised. “CMC, the new owner of Jeff Gray BMW, is a business familiar to the industry with interests across a variety of brands.” CMC has established a new subsidiary to trade as Jeff Gray BMW. It will continue to operate from existing facilities in Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North and Hawkes Bay with current BMW and Mini staff.  Hamish Jacob has been appointed to be the chief executive of the new company. Englert adds: “I look forward to working with Hamish and the dealership team. We share the common goal of ensuring BMW remains as the number-one premium automotive brand in New Zealand. I would like to wish Jeff every happiness in his retirement and thank him for more than 30 years’ service and loyalty to BMW in New Zealand.” The terms and conditions of the sale remain confidential to the parties involved.