Citroen showroom has French flair

The new Citroen dealership that has just opened in Greenlane, Auckland.

A new distributor for Citroen in New Zealand means a new look for its showrooms, with Auckland's first dealership now open.

Situated on Great South Rd, Greenlane, the showroom had a speedy six-week turnaround from the previous brand to the French marque.

But it wasn't as simple as changing the name of the showroom for new distributor Sime Darby.

Instead Citroen Continental Cars Greenlane's dealer principal, Peter Metcalfe, and Citroen NZ boss Simon Rose, had to have every aspect of the showroom signed off by head office in France.

"We had to fast track it to get it going. Simon had to go to France to make sure it happened," said Metcalfe.

"If you don't do it specifically as head office wants then you don't get to sell the halo DS range."

They even had to have the flooring under the reception desk approved by France.

But when you consider the result - with imported light boxes for the DS cars on display and new glass frontage from France - the showroom will attract customer attention for Sime Darby.

The distributor is increasing exclusive Citroen dealerships in the next 18 months, but reducing its line-up to concentrate on popular hatchbacks and crossovers.