TIM ALPE, CHIEF JUCYFIER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JUCY GROUP
You drive a 2014 silver Jeep Wrangler?
I chose the Jeep for two reasons, First, I got it in December and thought it would be an awesome car for the summer. Second, I lived in LA for a couple of years in my early 20s and had a Jeep Wrangler. I have just turned 40 and needed something to take me back to my youth. My wife calls it my “midlife crisis”.
First car?
A manure-coloured Triumph 2000. It was as solid as a tank and about as difficult to drive. I suspect my parents thought it was the world’s safest car because it was basically indestructible. Not really a girl magnet, that’s for sure.
Your dream car?
I would love to get a Tesla Model S Cabrio. I was in LA recently and one pulled up next to me at the lights. I fell in love at first sight.
Favourite car colour?
Jucy green (and purple), of course.
Who taught you to drive?
I learned to drive when I was 15. Dad tried to teach me but unfortunately every lesson ended in a massive argument. It was lucky that Merlin from Passrite came to the rescue.
Do you prefer driving a manual or automatic?
While I love driving a manual car at times, I would have to say auto is my preference. LA traffic taught me that a manual car is painful when stopping and starting frequently.
What do you always have in your car?
Sunscreen and a hat. The Jeep is a sun magnet.
What’s the most memorable road trip you’ve been on?
Has to be the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown. The scenery is stunning especially around places like Tekapo and Twizel. I recommend you overnight in Tekapo and check out the hot pools. Amazing.
If you could travel with a well-known person in any car, in any country?
I would love to drive from California to Montana on a Harley-Davidson. It would be cool to do it with Bear Grylls so if I got lost I could survive.
How often do you clean your car?
I clean our cars each Sunday. It never ceases to amaze me how much stuff can accumulate in my wife’s car courtesy of our three kids in just a week.
And what are you currently listening to in your car?
I have a massive range of music — anything from the Rolling Stones to Dr Dre. Right now I am going through an 80s rock phase which has been rather concerning for my kids.
Great day trip out of Auckland?
Auckland is awesome for day trips with plenty of places to visit. I like to keep it fairly local and head across the harbour bridge to Devonport for lunch.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
I get so frustrated when people don’t acknowledge others who let them into a lane. How hard is it to simply wave and say thanks?
Tourist drivers have been getting a bad rap. What is your take on tourists’ driving and what does Jucy do to help them get familiar with NZ roads and rules?
At Jucy we are working hard to educate our customers about driving in our country and have a number of programmes in place to help them out.
Funniest thing you’ve heard about someone who has rented a Jucy vehicle?
A couple hired a camper and two weeks into the trip they phoned to tell our staff they had broken up and needed a second vehicle. Camper divorce!
Who else is allowed to drive your car?
Everyone at Jucy. The Jeep is in high demand every day.
Do you have a special number plate?
No but if I did it would have to be Jucy.
■As told to Donna McIntyre.