Hyundai stands firm in Dunedin

30 January 2007

Hyundai stands firm in Dunedin

The potential of the Hyundai brand and the quality of the vehicles behind the badge were big motivators for the Armstrong Motor Group to launch Armstrong Hyundai, 1 February 2007 in Dunedin.

General Manager of Armstrong Prestige, John Duncan, said after 36 years in the car business he had seen many makes and models and was deeply impressed with the quality of the vehicles now available in the Hyundai range.

The dealership will have its own stand alone premises offering customers a modern, bright environment that parallels the quality of Armstrong's existing showrooms.

"We were drawn to Hyundai because of the range of vehicles covered, from the little Getz through to the Santa Fe SUV that has just got such a high profile after the successful advertisement with the kids."

The Armstrong Motor Group represents Armstrong Prestige in Dunedin, which is still a relatively new business in Dunedin, having opened its doors in 2002 selling Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Jeep. John Duncan believes the Hyundai brand will sit well alongside these brands in the Group, providing good volume sales to the growing dealership.

"Our base has been building steadily through Otago and Southland, and the Hyundai brand will only help this. The fact we have the faith in the brand to set it up as a standalone dealership underscores this."

Hyundai has enjoyed strong market growth in the last 12 months in a competitive and difficult trading environment and latest sales figures buoy John Duncan's confidence even further. Rick Armstrong, owner and director of the Armstrong Motor Group, agrees. "Our acquisition of the Hyundai franchise in Dunedin is one we are extremely excited about. The strong profile Hyundai already has in the market gives us an opportunity to provide the greater Dunedin area with a brand that not only has extremely good product, but one that also shares the same long-term strategic commitment to the area."

2006 figures show Hyundai Santa Fe was the number one selling diesel passenger vehicle in New Zealand, despite only being on the market for eight months of the year. Hyundai also sold more passenger vehicles than Nissan in 2006, finishing seventh in the passenger vehicle market.

"All our staff here are extremely excited about getting this franchise, and we are confident we can offer customers what is now a very established, credible brand that is proving itself both here and around the world with numerous accolades, as well as strong sales figures," said John Duncan.

Hyundai New Zealand Managing Director, Philip Eustace said he looks forward to establishing a strong relationship with the Armstrong franchise.

"Southern people are renowned for their loyalty, and we are glad to have Armstrong Hyundai on board with us. Like Armstrong, Hyundai is growing and establishing a good reputation - this promises to be a very rewarding partnership."

ENDS

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