Car-maker banks on sales lift

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In a recession-defying move, German car-maker Audi is ploughing $25 million into nine showrooms in the next three years, with Auckland the main target.

Dane Fisher, Audi NZ's general manager, said a $15 million redevelopment of a former Lamborghini dealership on Great North Rd in the central city was just the first step.

A crane is on the site, and a four-level showroom is about to be built.

The bill is footed by Audi Germany, Audi NZ and Richlister Colin Giltrap.

Mr Fisher said Audi was having a cracker year.

Owners of small to medium-sized businesses were emerging from the recession ahead of larger businesses and these people often fished, had baches on shingle roads and skied, so wanted classy four-wheel drives, a corner of the market Audi specialised in, he said.

"People have been to hell and back. But we're up 29 per cent this year and we've led the luxury market for the last three years.

"In 2009, we sold 1000 [vehicles] throughout New Zealand and we will do close to 700 in Auckland alone in 2010. Our record was 1300 in 2007 and we will run close to that this year," he said.

Internationally, Audi plans 350 dealerships in line with the design of Auckland's.

Other dealerships are splashing out too.

Mazda North Harbour announced last month it had finished a $1.5 million showroom, vehicle servicing and office upgrade on Target Rd, Glenfield.

Mini opened a Ponsonby Rd showroom this year.