Kiwi dealer tops for Hyundai

6 April 2006
Immediate Release

Kiwi dealer tops for Hyundai

A New Zealand Hyundai dealer has been recognised as the Hyundai Dealer of the Year for the Asia Pacific region.

With 220 other dealers in the region, Angus Cockram of Gary Cockram Hyundai in Christchurch admits he was over the moon to receive such recognition at the company’s conference in Manila late last month.

“We went up there thinking we may win an award for the showroom, but to win Dealer of the Year was just fantastic,” said Angus Cockram.

He and his brother Dougal have had the Hyundai dealership for 10 years now and have just opened another in Blenheim.

The Cockram name has been well known by Canterbury motorists for over 50 years. Angus and Dougal’s father Gary Cockram established Gary Cockram Limited on the corner of Tuam and Durham Streets in Christchurch in 1976, an iconic site that retains its high profile today.

The dealership opened a specially designed spacious showroom last year on the site, setting new standards in vehicle presentation and overall customer experience.

“There has been some excellent work going on at the distributorship level, the brand is progressive and go-ahead, it is good to be a part of that,” said Angus Cockram.

Hyundai New Zealand Managing Director Philip Eustace said the win by Cockrams recognises the effort and investment the Cockram family have made in Hyundai in New Zealand.

Mr Eustace said that given the history the Cockram car dealership has enjoyed in Christchurch, they deserve this prestigious award.

“Over the years they have commanded a lot of respect in the industry. They have contributed a huge amount of integrity and experience which has really ensured Hyundai has become well established in the South Island’s largest city”, said Mr Eustace.

Angus Cockram said while at the conference he got a sneak preview of the new Hyundai Elantra, due for release here later this year.

“They were not giving too much away, but it really is a great car, and will certainly generate a lot of interest here, as will the new Santa Fe when it’s released.”

He believed Hyundai was “putting its money where its mouth is” in establishing where its models are positioned in the market.

“They are taking the lead in what will be a very competitive market over the next two years,” said Mr Cockram.

ENDS

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