Ngai Tahu And Rick Armstrong Join Forces

18 October 2006

Ngai Tahu And Rick Armstrong Driving Into The Future

Ngai Tahu Property Limited and the Armstrong Motor Group have unveiled plans for an $11 million development in Christchurch.

Ngai Tahu Property is developing New Zealand’s biggest Autohaus concept dealership for Armstrong Prestige, which is part of the Armstrong Motor Group.

The Autohaus concept is the Mercedes Benz specified showroom. It is a worldwide standard that demonstrates the high level of service being demanded by clients in the new car market.

The facility is being developed on the 6864 sqm at the end of Moorhouse Avenue, fronting the new Blenheim Road Deviation. This is a high profile location with easy access to the new dealership, dedicated road access and extensive on-site parking.

Armstrong Prestige, which is the authorised Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealer in the city, expects the new Autohaus site to be open for business by early to mid-2007 with construction due to begin early next month. Armstrong Prestige currently has two sites in Riccarton Road and these operations will be transferred to the new Autohaus site when the development is complete.

The Armstrong Motor Group announced earlier this year that it was in growth mode and this development is part of the company’s overall plan to cement Armstrong Prestige as the number one luxury car dealer in the South Island.

“The new Christchurch building, together with our new purpose built dealership in Dunedin and other recent acquisitions shows our faith and commitment to the brands we represent as well as along term commitment to our future, in particular in the South Island. We are 100% backing ourselves,” says the man behind Armstrong Motors Group, Rick Armstrong.

“We have excellent relationships with our product franchisors who make significant investment such as this worthwhile. The way they do business encourages us to invest in the future growth of the brands and the company.”

“Armstrong Prestige has had significant growth over the past 5 years and the Autohaus site will allow that growth trend to continue. Capacity will increase by 70% in the new facility.”

Glen Rudhall, General Manager of Armstrong Prestige says the Autohaus concept has been in the planning for two years and will result in significant benefits to customers. “Our clients expect larger more comfortable facilities, plenty of parking and less cluttered sales, service and business areas. The facilities will be state-of-the-art and incorporate features such as defined new car delivery areas, ensuring all new cars are delivered in top condition in warm, dry and pleasant surroundings.”

The new development will also include two cafes, modern parts and services facilities with 14 service bays and will form the largest dealership in the South Island.

Don Greenaway, Ngai Tahu Property Ltd Development Manager for the project, says the company is delighted that a tenant of Armstrong Prestige’s calibre has entered into a long-term partnership with Ngai Tahu.

“This development is a first for New Zealand and is in keeping with Ng?i Tahu Property’s vision for this area.”

Tony Sewell, General Manager, Ng?i Tahu Property says Ng?i Tahu Property is and always has been very much part of the fabric of the South Island. “It is in our interests, and those we partner with, to create developments that take into consideration the environment and the commercial interests of our clients which has been a key component in this project,” he says.

Background on Ngai Tahu Property Limited

Ngai Tahu Property Ltd has a long-term and sustainable vision of its place in the South Island and New Zealand. Because it is iwi-owned Ng?i Tahu Property has a special relationship with the land and is committed to the development of people and infrastructure.

The company is 100% owned by Te Rananga o Ngai Tahu and its 38,000 registered iwi members. It is one of the most successful property companies in the country and in 2005 it was rated number one in New Zealand for return on investment at an outstanding 19%, helping position the iwi as one of the South Island’s premier business leaders.

Ngai Tahu Property is an integrated property business working across the entire spectrum of property services and from its establishment in 1994, has grown from an asset base of $2 million to $300 million in 2006.

Ngai Tahu Property creates and invests in communities that are great places for people to live and enjoy life.

“We recognise the value of building relationships - so our customers are our partners - that way everyone develops and grows with the help of our vision and our property solutions,” says General Manager Tony Sewell.

“Being iwi-owned we have a holistic approach to business and have shaped a reputation for vision, innovation, sustainability, expertise and profitability, based on the values of family, looking after people, stewardship and expertise. “

ENDS

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