Ferrari NZ opens new state-of-the-art dealership

Liz Dobson
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Dieter Knechtel, Ferrari Far East & Middle East Managing Director, at the opening of the new Ferrari Showroom in Auckland. Picture/Ted Baghurst

Dieter Knechtel, Ferrari Far East & Middle East Managing Director, at the opening of the new Ferrari Showroom in Auckland. Picture/Ted Baghurst

Auckland showroom boasts prominent position, Italian interior

Ferrari Australasia’s CEO says the brand new Auckland dealership that was officially opened today is “one of the best in the region”.

Strategically situated in Newmarket on the corner of Great South and Manukau Roads, the 450sq metre showroom took a year to complete with the fittings and design having to be signed off by Ferrari’s head office in Italy.

Ferrari Australasia’s CEO, Herbert Appleroth, wouldn’t say what the cost of the refit but told Driven at the opening that it “was a significant investment” and nor would he confirm that the price was in the millions.

“I don’t think you’ll find a better finished showroom in New Zealand, and this is one of the best in the region,” said Appleroth.

“We have noted that 50 per cent of our New Zealand clients are new to the Ferrari brand. We expect the state-of-the-art facility will only continue to strengthen Ferrari’s position with our New Zealand customers.”

Last night 150 Ferrari customers attended a black tie event at the showroom.

The building was leased by Continental Cars Ferrari, with the architects in Italy designing the showroom and with the all interior fixtures and fittings, such a floor tiles and even books in the customer lounge, shipped from Ferrari’s head office.

Ferrari Far East and Middle East managing director, Dieter Knechtel, was also at the opening of the showroom and said the New Zealand “is home to some of the most limited edition and collectable” Ferraris in the world.

“The new showroom will not only be a landmark building but important for Ferrari worldwide as we prepare to celebrate 70 years of Ferrari in 2017,” said Singapore-based Knechtel.

In the Auckland showroom is a personalisation area where buyers can customise their Ferraris, including the colour of the leather seats, the brake calipers and exterior paint colour.

“Enzo Ferrari said every Ferrari should be a piece of art,” said Appleroth, “so no two cars will be the same.”

Appleroth told Driven that there had been a “record 23 to 24 registrations of new Ferraris this year” in New Zealand.

Pre-owned Ferraris have also been in demand for Kiwi owners this year.

“Victoria followed by New Zealand had a record year and we can’t get enough stock,” says Appleroth.​

A new service department in Auckland was also officially opened today while a service centre in Christchurch will open in the next few days to cater for a significant amount of Ferrari owners in the South Island.

Continental Cars have been the exclusive Ferrari dealership in New Zealand since 1973.