Nichibo celebrates 30 years
Three decades of Nichibo’s services to New Zealand’s automotive industry were toasted to at a black-tie function in Auckland on July 27.
In 1988, managing director Nobu Yamanaka, pictured below, attended auctions by day and typed up export documents by night. Vehicles were then selected from auction catalogues and added to Nichibo’s tender list.
Today, the company employs 450 people in New Zealand and 600 worldwide.
“Thirty years is the first step for us,” Yamanaka told guests. “We will challenge and work hard with all of you for the next 30 years as well, that’s the next step. We’ve been striving to serve the New Zealand public with our dealer customers for many years.”
Nichibo’s director Robert Young began his speech by noting that he joined Nichibo nearly 16 years ago. “As Nobu said, it all started with [us] talking on a bonnet of a car – I think it was a Toyota Camry.
“It really has been an absolute privilege and honour to work for such an amazing company and be part of this amazing journey.
“Over the past 30, years the Japanese import industry has experienced many ups and downs. For example, in the ’90s the government removed import duty overnight throwing the industry into absolute turmoil. Then there was Dermot Nottingham-gate, frontal impact, Asian gypsy moth followed by emission standards, Takata recalls and the most recent blindside to hit our industry – the brown marmorated stink bug.
“I am convinced whoever coined the phrase ‘change is the only constant’ was talking about our industry.
“The fact Nichibo managed to survive these 30 eventful years is firstly due to our supportive and loyal customers. Secondly to the loyalty, integrity and determination of our 600 employees in New Zealand, Japan and around the world. Thirdly, to the support of our friends, families, and business partners. And last, but not least, to the vision and generosity of Nobu Yamanaka, Nichibo’s founder.”
Young also acknowledged that many companies and people have played significant roles in Nichibo’s journey over the past three decades and paid special tribute to a few business partners who had been there from the beginning.
“There are a few people here this evening we want to pay special tribute to and present Japanese ceremonial samurai swords, which mark loyalty, honour and respect.”
Gary Milne of Drive Town in Panmure, Mike Elliott of Motor 1 in Penrose and Neil Blackford of Summit Motor Company in Te Aroha were acknowledged for 15 years.
Bryan McKenzie of BMM Imports in Lower Hutt, Rod Milner of Rod Milner Motors in Greenlane, Peter (PJ) Johnston of GVI in Penrose and Trevor Lee of Trevor Lee Autos in Tauranga were acknowledged for 20 years.
Hidemi Daikyu, who has worked at Nichibo’s head office for the past 26 years and arranged the shipping of more than 500,000 cars was also recognised by Young as being a great asset to the team.
Johnstone thanked Yamanaka for his generosity and support over the years.
“We are very fortunate to have a solid partner in Japan. When it got tough, Nobu stood by us all and told us to keep trading. He was dead right. May you have a lot more anniversaries Nobu. Thank you very much from all of the New Zealand car dealers that support you.”
