Two car brands affected by the decision of McVerry Crawford to close its Wanganui yard are working to secure their place in the city car scene.
McVerry Crawford announced this month its Purnell St dealership would close. It did not give reasons. The decision meant Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Isuzu vehicles wouldno longer have an outlet. But this week, Mitsubishi Motors NZ and Hyundai Automotive NZ indicated they were looking for a replacement dealer.
Tom Ruddenklau, chief operating officer for Hyundai, said the company was "progressing down a pathway" in its bid to get a new franchisee for its vehicles. "We're talking to interested parties and I'm confident we'll get a solution soon.
"But at the same time we're not going to be pushed into a corner," Mr Ruddenklau said.
He said Hyundai had had a good start to the trading year and wanted to build on that. "We absolutely have to have a service centre in Wanganui as a first point but are keen to get the sales side of the business up and running as well," he said. As soon as a new dealership was in place, the company would announce details.
Mike Sheerin, franchise manager for Mitsubishi, said his company was also seeking a replacement franchisee in the Wanganui area.
"We have a commitment to make sure our customers in the city and district are taken care of and to that end we want to be fully represented in the city. We have loyal customers there and that's why we're keen to get something in place," Mr Sheerin said. He declined to comment further.
McVerry Crawford Motors was franchised to sell and provide parts and servicing to new Mitsubishi and Hyundai cars, and had taken on Isuzu utilities.
Branch manager Richard McVerry told the Chronicle earlier that the date of the branch closure depended on whether the manufacturers found another business to take on the dealership's existing stock of new vehicles.
The company's other branches in Palmerston North and Feilding will remain open.
