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Franchise on top of world

Kia dealership in Auckland secures global platinum prestige dealer recognition.
Posted on 12 March, 2026
Matthew Wales, second left, Auckland Central Kia managing director, accepts the award from KT Lee, Kia NZ CEO and president, watched on by Abdul Rakeeb, left, dealer development manager at Kia NZ, and Tim Owen, general manager at Auckland Central Kia  

Auckland Central Kia has been recognised as one of the marque’s top-performing dealerships on the planet.

The company has received the platinum prestige dealer title as part of the Kia Corporation’s annual global honours.

The award recognises the top-performing dealerships worldwide based on a comprehensive set of criteria. Each year, only the top five per cent of Kia dealerships achieve this distinction.

With more than 7,000 franchises operating globally, Auckland Central Kia is among just 350 retailers to receive the recognition.

Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia NZ, says: “The platinum prestige dealer award is reserved for the absolute best of the best.

“We are proud of the team at Auckland Central Kia, particularly its commitment to excellence and ability to elevate the dealership to this extraordinary level of performance.

“To receive this recognition, a dealership must excel across multiple performance measures, including sales volume and growth, business management and customer satisfaction.  

“I know Tim, Matthew and their team have worked incredibly hard to achieve this. The award is a testament not only to their efforts, but also to the strength, trust and credibility of the brand as an innovator and leader in the automotive industry.”

Tim Owen, general manager of Auckland Central Kia, says the global recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of the dealership team.

“It’s an amazing honour to receive this award and a tribute to the entire team for the outstanding work it does every day,” he adds. “We are humbled to receive this accolade and look forward to welcoming many more Kia customers to our Newmarket showroom.”

Managing director Matthew Wales says: “We hold ourselves to very high standards and strive to deliver the best possible experience for everyone who engages with our business.  

“That commitment extends across the entire customer journey, from the new and used-vehicle purchasing experience through to after-sales support and servicing. We are ecstatic with this award.”

Representatives of Kia NZ’s head office and the team from Auckland Central Kia at the award presentation