All Blacks coach Steve Hansen (left) with Terry Elmsly, owner of EuroCity, at the firm's new site in Prebensen Drive, Napier. Photo Duncan Brown
Euro City's multi-million dollar retail and commercial development in Napier's Prebensen Drive is open for business.
It was developed by Euro City owner Terry Elmsly, who shifted the business from Carlyle St which he said could not accommodate his growing customer base.
The new premises had to be special.
"There was a global mandate for every dealership representing Audi, VW and Skoda to comply with updated Corporate Identity requirements."
He said demand for Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda vehicleswas increasing year on year.
"We needed room for future growth and we also wanted to provide our customers with a great selection of used vehicles across all car brands. Our new premises have the space to allow that."
The 8604 m2 site has a dedicated parts and service department, and used vehicles.
"Our priority is to provide more service and choice to our customers. We can also be more competitive through offering both new and second-hand vehicles and our in-house finance department. Our service department will also have the space it needs, again to satisfy the growing demand and is already very busy. I'm lucky I have a fantastic team behind me."
Recently Euro City's general manager Dwayne Bewley won Audi Sales Manager of the Year at the Audi Excellence Awards.
"To be acknowledged by Audi as having the most satisfied customers in the country is a real achievement," Mr Elmsly said.
"Our business is in growth mode and the time is right for this development. My vision is that the new dealership will ensure continued and better service for our loyal customers along with helping to boost Hawke's Bay's economy."
The site spans the land around Ford Rd and at the back of it are retailers Complete Paints, Lollipups Doggy Daycare and food retailer MYLK.
Mr Elmsly originally his car business to be part of one of the biggest retail centres in the central North Island, on the opposite side of Prebensen Drive, but the government land was earmarked for a possible Treaty of Waitangi settlement.