Changes for blue oval

Russell Pedersen, of the Ultimate Motor Group in the Bay of Plenty, and Mark Quirk from Wanganui Motors, which are both owned by the Dyke Group, are retiring.

Pedersen, pictured right, joined Ultimate Ford in 1999 and became dealer principal in 2017, although his career with the blue oval spans longer than that. 

He has also been a “steadfast” member of Ford NZ’s national dealer council and he retires at the end of May next year.

Quirk, pictured left, has led Wanganui Motors since 2006 after joining the business in 1988. He has “always embodied the spirit of the brand and his contributions will be greatly missed”. Quirk retires at the end of March.

Ford extends its deepest gratitude to Pedersen and Quirk for their “unwavering dedication, leadership and significant contributions to the brand over the years”. New dealer principal announcements will be made in the new year.

Leading Rotorua team

Edrik van Tonder has joined Ingham Ford Rotorua as dealer principal after being general manager of Andrew Simms Dunedin.

Before that, he held several roles with Manukau Toyota overseeing business operations across sales, service and parts. 

Ford NZ is confident Van Tonder will further strengthen the marque’s presence Rotorua. He starts in his new roles on January 1.