Change in Kia dealers
David Jones Motors is becoming a Kia dealership in addition to the other franchises it holds in Whanganui.
The news comes as Ignition Motor Group is set to close at the end of November when owner Ken Williams retires after more than five decades in the automotive industry.
Williams, 73, leases the site of his business in Saint Hill Street and it has been sold for industrial development with no right of renewal.
He and his wife bought the business, which was called Guthrie Holden and Kia, in 2012 and renamed it. They moved to the corner of Saint Hill and Dublin streets about six years later.
Holden went when General Motors pulled the marque from both sides of the Tasman in 2020, and Mahindra and Peugeot joined Kia in its place.
Williams’ family involvement in the car trade started in 1927 when his grandfather HJC Williams founded Williams & Adams in Wellington. It imported and assembled cars. The family falling a year short of 100 in the industry is something he’s still processing.
Kia NZ says partnering with the Jones family reinforces its long-term commitment to provincial New Zealand and communities that have supported the marque.
The marque and David Jones Motors are “embracing a new chapter that will ensure customers continue to receive the highest level of service, support and expertise while positioning the business for future growth”.
Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia NZ, adds the transition reflects the ongoing evolution of the local business and brand.
“Provincial New Zealand remains at the heart of our business. Communities such as Whanganui have been instrumental in Kia’s success and we remain fully committed to ensuring customers throughout the region continue to have access to the products, service and support they deserve.”
McDonald adds Kia has long recognised the importance of regional New Zealand by investing in local communities and building partnerships that resonate with customers beyond the country’s largest cities. This commitment is reflected through initiatives such as its partnership with the Hurricanes, supporting a team that represents the wider Wellington region and communities within it, including Whanganui.
“We are confident in our decision to align with the David Jones Motors team and are eager to watch how the brand grows thanks to their partnership,” says McDonald.
David Jones Motors celebrates its 40th anniversary this year as a well-established local vehicle retailer.
Adding Kia to its portfolio strengthens its new brand offering and provides the marque with generational stability in the area from a sales and service perspective.
Gareth Jones, dealer principal of David Jones Motors, says: “We are delighted to be appointed as the authorised Kia dealer for Whanganui. Kia has established itself as one of New Zealand’s most innovative and respected automotive brands, and we are excited to bring that experience to our customers.
“This appointment represents a significant investment in the future of our business and reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional products, service, and support.
“The opportunity also allows us to expand into the electric and light-commercial market. Kia has a wide range of models including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EVs. Now with the introduction of Kia’s electric van we are eager to get started.”
McDonald notes David Jones Motors is set to support customers’ servicing needs from December 1. Dealership opening dates and sales details are still to be determined, but both parties want these to happen as soon as possible.
