The revolution of motoring

Anew name will appear on the Te Awamutu motoring landscape next month — but it is simply an evolution of the town’s longest running, privately owned dealership, and a reflection of the changing landscape.

Rosetown Holden becomes Rosetown Motor Group when GM’s downunder brand Holden ceases business — the result of the global car-maker’s decision to pull out of all right hand drive markets.

Dealer principal Allan Paterson says they are proud and excited to announce the company has secured Hyundai, Isuzu and Renault brands to the Rosetown Motor Group family.

At the same time they remain totally committed to their loyal Holden customers, signing the Holden Certified Service Contract and guaranteeing to provide ongoing parts and servicing for Holden vehicles.

But key to the success of the award winning business is a prominent, top quality brand that meets the expectations of clients.

This includes a tough and reliable ute — the mainstay of a rural market, as well as a range of quality cars and SUVs.

“We are absolutely excited to bring three amazing brands to Te Awamutu,” says Allan.

He says all three have much to offer and collectively provide a massive range from one location.

Rosetown Hyundai will specialise in cars, SUVs and vans, and Hyundai are amongst the market leaders in electric and hybrid technology.

Rosetown Isuzu will offer a tough ute of proven ability to fill the void left by Holden’s Colorado.

Rosetown Renault will provide a massive range of commercial vans, from small delivery vans to large load haulers — as well as cars and SUVs.

Official start date for Rosetown Hyundai, Rosetown Isuzu and Rosetown Renault is Saturday, August 1.

As well as sales, Rosetown Motor Group will manage parts and servicing needs, so the team has a busy time over the next few weeks.

The company has actively increased staffing levels to support the servicing requirements of all local Hyundai, Isuzu and Renault vehicles and staff in all departments are looking forward to undergoing training and learning about the new range.

For almost eight decades the business has been catering for the machinery and motoring needs of Te Awamutu and district.

Clive Langmuir founded the business in Sloane Street in 1941 and initially named it Te Awamutu Machinery Exchange, employing Eric Freed as office manager.

In 1943 Clive and Eric formed a partnership.

The partnership prospered from a largely farm machinery business into a tractor franchise and then gained the Todd Motors franchise.

The name of the firm was changed to Te Awamutu Machinery Ltd in 1951 when the move was made from Sloane Street to new premises built on the corner of Alexandra and Churchill Streets.

The partnership continued until 1956 when Mr Langmuir withdrew to go farming.

A long association with Rootes Group and Chrysler evolved into the Mitsubishi franchise dealership, which was held until 2010. The relationship with Holden spans more than three decades.

In 1987 the company became a duel franchise group in partnership with Ebbett Motors, then in 1994 TML bought Ebbetts out and traded as Rosetown Holden.

The Freed family connection also continues — Eric’s son John remains a partner in Rosetown Motor Group.

A large workshop, new parts department, showroom and g. a.s. Service Station, expanded car yard, extra parking and an over-flow yard have all been added over the years.

Rosetown Motor Group continues to evolve and leads the way into an exciting future providing for the motoring needs of Te Awamutu and district.