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The Alpe family's car and camper rental firm Jucy Rentals is about to expand in Australia after six years of building up the business in New Zealand.
Main shareholder Chris Alpe was the founder of Maui Campervans and a director of New Zealand's largest listed tourism operator Tourism Holdings until 2001, when he left the business to set up Jucy with his sons Tim and Dan.
Initially, the firm had a five-year restraint of trade agreement with Tourism Holdings, which meant it could not sell direct to the public.
But the agreement was lifted early, allowing the firm to expand faster than it expected.
CEO Tim Alpe said the company now had 1700 vehicles in New Zealand and had decided the time was right to expand the campervan side of the business into Australia.
It has operated Jucy branded cars in Australia since last year, but from April it will operate 100 campervans along the east coast of Australia with a head office based in Brisbane and further offices in Sydney and Cairns.
The firm has struck a deal to bring second hand Previa chassis in from Japan. It will refit them with new interiors in Australia using fibreglass boat-building techniques engineered in New Zealand.
"Our area of expertise has historically been campervans, and we see that as a really good opportunity," Alpe said.
The Australian expansion has led to the group also considering listing on the Australian stock exchange.
Last year, before the current volatility volatility hit the market, Alpe announced plans to list on the New Zealand stock exchange either in late 2008 or early in 2009.
"We haven't 100 per cent ruled it out, but with the markets the way they are it's probably not the right time.
"We still want to expand the business and raise capital on the market."
For now the group will focus on growing its Australian business as well as new business arms in New Zealand.
These include a 50 per cent stake in new car-share company City Hop and a half share in Cruising Milford Sound.
It also owns a stake in Auckland bed and breakfast Aspen House.
