NZ's Largest Car Auction Opens In Christchurch

For immediate release
25 August 2005

NEW ZEALAND'S LARGEST CAR AUCTION OPENS IN CHRISTCHURCH

Bidding will open at New Zealand's largest vehicle auction complex when Turners Car Auctions opens its new super-site in Christchurch on Sunday.

A big crowd is expected to see more than 100 cars go under the hammer in a special no-reserve and classic car auction at the $12.5 million Moorhouse Avenue deviation facility.

The 80,000 square foot site is the largest car auction in New Zealand providing space for more than 200 display vehicles, storage of an additional 350 cars and its own test-driving track.

The new facility is able to operate two auction lanes simultaneously, and is capable of selling up to 100 cars an hour.

Turners Car Auctions is the country's largest importer of Japanese used cars and accounts for almost 10% of all car sales in New Zealand.

Turners Car Auctions Chief Executive Officer Graham Roberts said the Christchurch complex was a key component in the company's plans for growth in the future.

"We are opening new purpose-built branches here and in Napier, investing in new businesses in Australia and New Zealand and taking full control of our North American operations," he said.

"Indications are that the used vehicle market in New Zealand is firming, so the future looks positive."

Turners Car Auctions Christchurch branch manager, Ken Goodall said the fact that 86,000 cars were sold nationwide through Turners last year reflected the high quality of cars and service the Christchurch super-site would offer.

"We provide a "one-stop shop" service with mechanical reports, vehicle inspection services and on-site finance which makes Turners a secure, customer-friendly way to buy a car."

This Sunday's launch event will see 40 cars being auctioned without a reserve price and a classic car auction featuring the only 1958 Buick Special in Australasia.

"Our classic car auction features a 1969 Chevrolet Malibu in show-car condition and a 1938 Nash Ambassador which was once owned by Thomas J Edmonds of the Edmonds Cookery Book fame," he said.

The super-site launch event on Sunday gets underway from 9am at 15 Lester Lane with the no-reserve auctions starting at midday.

---ENDS-

The Classic Car Auction will include:

A 1969 Chevrolet Malibu in show-car condition
A 1938 Nash Ambassador previously owned by Thomas J Edmonds
An E-Type Jaguar thought to have been previously owned by Laurie Mains

© Scoop Media