New dealership opens
Lexus of Auckland City has opened its new home in Newmarket with all the dealership’s facilities, ranging from product displays and offices to customer parking, contained within one building.
In designing the two-storey dealership, owner Giltrap Group sought to create a customer-focused location and eschewed the typical exterior car yard and sales office format.
With everything now under one roof at 21 Great South Road, customers can view Lexus models, relax in a cafe-style customer lounge and take delivery of their new vehicle on the first floor.
Sharlene Van Dijk, Lexus of Auckland City chief executive officer, says the company had outgrown its former site on Great North Road, Grey Lynn.
“Our belief in the Lexus brand and its growth potential gave us the confidence to invest in a new customer-focused facility,” she adds.
“Lexus is about beautiful design and the best in automotive technology. We really wanted to reflect those qualities in our new home. My team is deeply committed to delivering on the Lexus brand promise of ‘experience amazing’.”
The new dealership opened on November 1 and has 34 staff. It boasts a fully enclosed 2,800 square metres, with at least 48 Lexus units on-site and charging for six electric vehicles.
Andrew Davis, Lexus New Zealand vice-president, says the new store’s location will expand the reach and visibility of Lexus to its target markets in central Auckland, and also reflects the marque’s direction in New Zealand.
“Over the last 34 years you’ve seen the brand become a leader in the luxury automotive market,” he explains.
“We’re embracing electrification as a core part of the brand's future, with a growing range of electrified vehicles that align with the country's increasing demand for low-carbon transportation options.
“As Lexus continues to expand its lineup of luxury electrified vehicles, including models like the all-electric RZ and hybrid LBX, it aims to cater to environmentally conscious consumers without compromising on performance, luxury, or design.”
The opening of the Newmarket dealership follows other franchise partners around the country investing in the luxury brand.
In May, a new Lexus of Christchurch opened on Tuam Street, Lexus of East Auckland is being built in Botany, and Lexus of Wellington is planning to move to a new location in Taranaki Street early in 2025.
“The investment in new or refurbished dealerships from our partners highlights the strength of our brand, and our excitement for the sustainable future of Lexus here in New Zealand,” adds Davis.
