New Zealand Expansion Complete with Auckland Auto Air Acquisition

29 Jul, 2016

CoolDrive Distribution has completed the first phase of its expansion into the New Zealand market with the acquisition of the Auckland Auto Air parts business.

Business partners for over 30 years, Auckland Auto Air was both CoolDrive’s first customer in New Zealand and its original distributor, and respective business owners John Blanchard from CoolDrive and Auckland Auto Air’s Barry Rogers sat on the original VASA committee together.

Along with its recent acquisitions of Direct Auto Parts and Total Air Conditioning, the purchase of Auckland Auto Air enables CoolDrive to offer the New Zealand market an unparalleled range of automotive and air conditioning parts, as well unrivalled knowledge and expertise.

“It’s long been an ambition of mine to bring these three distributors together under our brand, it gives CoolDrive a very strong presence in the New Zealand market,” CoolDrive Distribution Managing Director John Blanchard said.

“We’re now able to offer our own and former Auckland Auto Air customers the synergies of improved deliveries, stock availability, access to our on-line catalogue and the convenience of iShop, to make the purchase of parts much easier.

“For me personally, too, there’s excitement and some sentimentality in adding Auckland Auto Air to our team in New Zealand after so many years working together.”

Like CoolDrive, Auckland Auto Air is a family owned and run business and while founder Barry and his son John remain with the workshop and refrigeration business, other son Phillip moves across to CoolDrive.

There, Phillip will be joined by Brent Harris, a long-time Auckland Auto Air employee, providing continuity for existing customers. Both are also well known to current CoolDrive customers.

"With Auckland Auto Air’s long-time representation of our Jayair products in New Zealand, this transition is going to be pretty seamless … we expect loyal Auckland Auto Air customers to enjoy the expanded parts offering, as will our own customers,” John Blanchard said.

“Now is the right time for consolidation in this market. Our focus will be on ensuring all CoolDrive customers in New Zealand benefit from this, before considering any further expansion.”

Phillip Rogers will take up the role of CoolDrive Auckland branch supervisor, while Brent Harris will occupy an internal sales role.