Four brands, two sites

The Giltrap Group will take over retail representation of Volkswagen and Skoda on Auckland’s North Shore from October 1.

The move brings the Volkswagen Group’s brands together in the heart of the area. Volkswagen will be based at Giltrap’s site at 150 Wairau Road, while Skoda joins Audi and Cupra across the road at Diana Drive. 

The consolidation brings to the North Shore a business model that Giltrap has “refined over decades” in Great North Road, Grey Lynn, which it describes as “an award-winning multi-brand arrangement long recognised for delivering world-class customer experience”.

Steve Kenchington, pictured, the group’s chief executive officer, says: “Bringing these four brands together on the North Shore is about delivering the best possible level of customer service. It’s a great opportunity for Giltrap.”

For existing Volkswagen and Skoda owners, nothing changes other than the location. Both brands still have a home on the North Shore.

Giltrap Group has worked closely with Tristram European to ensure next month’s transition is smooth.

Tristram European, led by Mark Hayward and Wayne Leach, has “championed” Volkswagen and Skoda on the North Shore since the Wairau Valley site opened in 2007. It will continue to represent both brands from its west Auckland and Whangarei operations. 

The Giltrap Group acknowledges the significant contribution Hayward, Leach and the Tristram European team have made over those 19 years, during which both brands have grown substantially. 

The move reflects a broader consolidation of marques in a changing automotive retail environment and confirms Giltrap’s long-term commitment to the Volkswagen Group, which is the world’s second-largest automotive manufacturer.