Inchcape and KGM part ways
Inchcape is calling time as the distributor for KGM in New Zealand following a joint decision between the two companies.
The move comes with Inchcape also announcing it is dropping Peugeot from its portfolio in Australia.
KGM has confirmed the South Korean brand will continue in New Zealand and will provide updates on local distribution. A final date for its split from Inchcape has yet to be confirmed.
Up to the end of June this year, KGM had sold 61 new vehicles in this country for an 80 per cent drop compared with the first half of 2025.
Its best-selling passenger vehicle so far in 2026 is the Torres and its hybrid variant, pictured, with 38 units – down from 210. It’s followed in this segment by the Rexton on 13, down from 44, according to NZTA data.
As for KGM’s ute, two new units of its Musso have been registered alongside eight Musso Grands year to date. That’s compared with 35 and 15 respectively in the same period of 2025.
A spokesperson for Inchcape says: “We continuously review our partnerships to ensure we have the right portfolio of brands for our business aligned with our strategic growth objectives.
“As a result, we have made the joint decision with our OEM partner to end our distribution agreement for KGM in New Zealand with the final date to be confirmed.
“We are working collaboratively with KGM to ensure a smooth transition for the brand with a focus on supporting customers, dealers and partners.
“All current customer orders will be honoured and delivered as planned. KGM’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, assured service pricing and pre-paid service plans will remain unchanged.
“Inchcape remains committed to the local market with a brand portfolio designed to meet the needs of a wide range of New Zealand consumers spanning passenger and sports utility vehicles, utes and vans, offering traditional internal combustion engines as well as hybrid and electric powertrains.”
KGM’s dealer footprint in New Zealand is diminishing. In Auckland, its franchises in East Tamaki, Drury and on the North Shore have shut. That leaves Western KGM in Henderson and Winger’s in Greenlane as the marque’s only dealerships in the city.
According to its online locator, its other dealerships are in Paeroa, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Alexandra and Dunedin. It also has a servicing centre in Palmerston North.
Inchcape acquired KGM in 2023. The marque arrived here as SsangYong via Great Lake Motor Distributors in a deal which included LDV. SsangYong rebranded as KGM in March 2024.
Split across the Tasman
Inchcape Australia and Stellantis have mutually agreed to end their distribution partnership for Peugeot across the Tasman with the final date yet to be announced.
Stellantis has confirmed the French marque will continue to be sold in Australia and will provide updates on its local plans in due course.
Inchcape says: “We would like to thank Stellantis for its partnership over the years and wish it every success for the future of Peugeot in Australia.
“Inchcape will continue to support the sale of existing stock, warranty and servicing during the transition while working closely with Stellantis as it progresses future distribution arrangements in Australia.
“Throughout this time, customers will continue to have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Peugeot parts and ongoing servicing, including recall campaigns and diagnostic updates.”
