Stellantis shift affects NZ dealers

FCA Australia, part of the Stellantis Group, has taken over operational responsibility for the relationship with all former Groupe PSA and FCA general distributor partners on both sides of the Tasman.

In New Zealand, the decision affects Armstrong’s, which represents Citroen and Peugeot, and Ateco Group NZ, which covers Jeep, RAM, Abarth, Fiat, Fiat Professional and Alfa Romeo. Across the ditch, Ateco Group Australia represents RAM, while Inchape caters for Citroen and Peugeot.

Kevin Flynn, pictured, managing director of FCA Australia, will be responsible for the business operations and performance of all brands in both countries. 

Stellantis says there will be no changes to the current distributor partnerships with Armstrong’s, Ateco and Inchape continuing to hold distributor responsibility for their respective brands and the relationships with their dealer networks. 

The move was announced by the company on June 7 and it says the new structure is effective immediately.

Billy Hayes, senior vice-president, marketing, sales and regional operations Stellantis India and Asia Pacific region, says: “With an ongoing focus on strengthening the growth of each of our brands across Australia and New Zealand, we have made the strategic decision to centralise our brand operations in Australia. 

“This new structure will ensure the appropriate resources are given to each of our general distributor partners as we support them for the success of our businesses combined.”