Family dealership makes flying start
A husband-and-wife team has helped Kia expand its New Zealand network to 31 dealers after opening a new showroom in Levin.
Daniel and Kelly Gordon, who also run Kapiti Kia in Paraparaumu, north of Wellington, have got off to a successful start with their second dealership.
Levin Kia took 27 per cent of the new car market in the Horowhenua region in January, which was its first month of operation.
Meanwhile, their other business took a 35 per cent market share on the Kapiti Coast during the same period – the highest market penetration of any Kia dealer in the country last month.
The Gordons, pictured above, only took over the family-run business three years ago after buying out Kelly’s father.
Daniel says interest from buyers has been across the range of Kia vehicles and they are optimistic for busy times ahead.
“It has involved a lot of hard work, particularly on Kelly’s part,” he explains. “She’s done a fantastic job of moving the business ahead in Paraparaumu, she could clearly see a very bright future with Kia.
“We feel the same about Levin, we see tremendous growth there.”
Levin, located on State Highway 1 in the lower North Island, is expecting substantial growth in the near future and there are plans to build 2,500 new homes.
The new dealership, pictured below, is opposite a vehicle-sales business owned by Kelly’s parents, Gary and Chris McKelvie, and has a showroom that can accommodate nine new vehicles. A three-bay service centre has scope for expansion in the future.
Staff numbers across the two Kia sites has also been increased to 20 as the Gordons juggle work with raising six children, aged between two and 12 years old.
Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia New Zealand, says the expansion of Kia into the Horowhenua region is a welcome opportunity for all.
“Kelly and Daniel have worked very hard to make a great success of their Kapiti business and we are hugely confident in their ability to succeed with their move into Levin,” he says.
“They and their team have developed an extremely professional customer-oriented approach, which reflects the philosophy of Kia.”
