Ebbett expanding operation

The Ebbett Group has announced plans for a new multimillion-dollar dealership in Rotorua, creating 45 jobs in construction and more than 30 full-time positions when fully up and running. 

The site, which is slated to open in late 2022, means Volkswagen and Skoda will be represented in the city for the first time. 

Situated at 270-276 Te Ngae Road in the city’s east, the purpose-built 7,650m2 development will also have access from Vaughan Road. 

In addition to Volkswagen and Skoda, the new dealership will be home to Ebbett’s current Rotorua Kia dealership. 

The premises are also expected to offer a fourth, as-yet unnamed, brand, which will create “the leading new vehicle retail outlet in the city”. 

The development has been given the green light based on the investment and economic growth expected for the city in the coming years, plus Ebbetts’ early experience of Rotorua with its Kia dealership in Lake Road. 

Ben van den Engel, managing director and majority shareholder, says: “We’ve had experience in Rotorua to date with its Lake Road Kia dealership.

“The community has been great and we feel really settled already, so this new dealership is something we’re terrifically excited about.

“Rotorua is a city on an upward trajectory, and it’s a great opportunity to bring in a couple of strong European brands with Volkswagen and Skoda. They sell extremely well here, even though people have previously had to travel to acquire them. 

“We’re convinced that having a flagship dealership in the town will not only help more people consider Volkswagen and Skoda, but will also be a great resource for existing owners to service or upgrade.” 

Ricky Brackfield, Ebbett Rotorua’s branch manager, adds: “This is exactly what Rotorua needs – a great facility with great brands. 

“Kia is the number-two passenger brand in New Zealand, Volkswagen is the world’s largest car company and Skoda has gone from being the hidden gem of the car market a couple of years ago to a strong player today. 

“Those looking for electric vehicles [EVs] over the next decade will be well-catered for. VW is already strong in that space with the e-Golf, but Kia and Skoda have great electric models in the pipeline as well. 

“We’ll be in the fortunate position of being perfectly set up for not only retailing EVs, but having a service centre purpose-built for catering to fossil-fuel and electric vehicles.

“We believe in this city and we’re building for growth. The brand range will give customers breadth of choice, a range of passenger and commercial vehicles, a strong line up of fuel and EV availability across the price range, and capacity for a strong range of used vehicles.” 

Bryce Heard, chief executive of Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, says: “This is great news for the community – another big company coming in with a significant investment and bringing quality brands and service. 

“It’s a beautifully stylish building that adds significantly to our environment. It will create new jobs and supports Rotorua, so we’re delighted.”

The Ebbett Group, was founded 93 years ago in Hamilton, where it has its headquarters. It now has 18 dealerships around the North Island, from Pukekohe to Wellington, including a presence in the Bay of Plenty with Ebbett Tauranga Hyundai and Isuzu.