Dealer group joins accord

Car dealer group Armstrong’s has announced it is the first company to join the Women in Automotive New Zealand Accord, which aims to help increase the number of females in the industry. 

The scheme, launched in May this year, has set a goal of lifting the proportion of women in the sector’s workforce from 17 to 30 per cent by 2030. It also wants to boost the representation of women in leadership roles. 

Companies signing up to the accord commit to seven principles designed to create diverse, inclusive workplaces that attract, retain and grow top female talent.

Signatories are also required to report their progress on meeting those principles at an annual summit.

Armstrong’s operates 15 dealerships across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and says it is proud to join the accord.

“This initiative aims to create an industry where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender, race, or age, by increasing workforce participation by women, boosting the representation of women in leadership roles, and building inclusive cultures,” the company says.

“We are committed to these goals and look forward to developing our action plan with input from our team. 

“This aligns perfectly with our mission to lead and champion a more inclusive future in the automotive industry.”

Fifty per cent of the group’s current senior leadership team are female and Armstrong’s says it wants to attract more women into automotive apprenticeships and sales consultant roles.