About Giltrap Group
Founded 1966Find a dealership
Founded in 1966, Giltrap Group is a proudly New Zealand owned automotive company representing some of the world’s most respected vehicle brands. From new and pre owned vehicle sales to servicing, parts, leasing and mobility solutions, Giltrap supports customers throughout every stage of vehicle ownership.
Operating across Auckland and Christchurch, Giltrap is distinguished by its family ownership, long standing manufacturer relationships and commitment to exceptional customer experiences. Its reputation has been built over generations through a genuine passion for cars, investment in its people and a determination to lead the future of mobility in New Zealand.
Vehicle Listings
1000+
Employees
800+
Years operating
60+
Dealerships
30
Leading brands
24
Rental locations
6
Sir Colin Giltrap
Our story.
It all began in 1966 when a young, car-mad Colin Giltrap co-founded Hamilton's luxury car dealership, Monaco Motors. Colin soon expanded his retail interests to Matamata and Auckland, and in the 1970s, acquired NZ distribution rights for Porsche, Volkswagen, and Audi.
Now with over 18 prestigious brands, and locations spread across Aotearoa, Giltrap Group has grown to be a leading importer, distributor, and retailer of vehicles in New Zealand.
Giltrap Group has not only thrived in the automotive industry but also on the racetrack, as one of the most passionate supporters and funders of New Zealand Motorsport. Giltrap-backed drivers have won at Bathurst, Le Mans, Indianapolis, and Monaco, driving in Formula One, the World Rally Championship, and Supercars.
Kiwi Family Owned
Meet the team
The Giltrap family, and the leaders they trust to deliver on a six-decade promise.
Richard Giltrap
Executive Director
Michael Giltrap
Executive Director
Steve Kenchington
Chief Executive Officer
Motorsport
Motorsport
Helping Kiwi motorsport talent take on the world.
Motorsport has been part of the Giltrap Group story for more than six decades. What began with Sir Colin Giltrap’s personal passion for racing has grown into an enduring commitment to New Zealand drivers, teams, engineers and events.
From local circuits to Formula One, NASCAR, Le Mans, IndyCar and the World Rally Championship, the Giltrap name has accompanied Kiwi talent onto some of the greatest stages in international motorsport.
Our History
The Giltrap timeline
1966
Colin Giltrap founded Hamilton luxury car dealership: Monaco Motors.
1970 - 1976
Colin Giltrap expands the business - buying Matamata Motors.
Colin Giltrap buys a company called P Coutts and Co a dealership- the distributor and retailer of Daimler, and retailer of Triumph and Rover. This was later renamed Coutts Cars.
Mazda Dealership set up at 444 Great North Road, a dealership that also sold Audi.
Colin Giltrap acquires the distributor right to Porsche in New Zealand.
1977
European Motor Distributors Limited is formed. This acquires distributorship rights for Volkswagen and later on Audi.
1989
Acquisition of Schofields of Newmarket - a major public company.
Coutts Cars becomes a standalone BMW dealership: Coutts BMW at 150 Great North Road, with Giltrap North Shore, also hosting BMW, Audi, VW Porsche, Rolls Royce and Bentley move to 101 Great North Road, under a new dealership called "Giltrap Prestige". This dealership also retailed GM products and later on Nissan.
A 50% ownership of Archibald & Shorter in Greenlane, Auckland - a Jaguar dealership - on a Joint Venture basis.
1993 - 1996
Giltrap Prestige becomes the only Aston Martin dealership for New Zealand.
The Giltrap Group acquires the distributor rights to Skoda in New Zealand.
2001
Giltrap Prestige outgrows the building at 150 and creates a new purpose-built building with dedicated showrooms for Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche at 100 Great North Road. This is now also the new location for European Motor Distributors.
2002 - 2009
Giltrap Prestige becomes the only Lamborghini dealership for New Zealand.
Giltrap Prestige separates its six luxury brands, and Independent Prestige is formed, hosting Bentley, Lamborghini and Aston Martin at 150 Great North Road. Giltrap Prestige stays at 100 Great North Road with Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche.
Coutts Mercedes-Benz and North Shore Mercedes-Benz are sold to the Ingham Group.
Giltrap North Shore acquires the Kia franchise. Schofields of Newmarket acquires the Nissan franchise.
2010 - 2012
Lexus of Auckland City is split from Giltrap City Toyota and moves to its own purpose-built facility at 29 Great North Road.Independent Prestige moves to 120 Great North Road.
Audi moves out of Giltrap Prestige and becomes a standalone dealership known as Giltrap Audi.
With Audi New Zealand expanding beyond expectations, the Giltrap Group decided to construct a new Audi Terminal at the old Independent Prestige site - 150 Great North Road. This was officially opened on July 15th, 2011.
Audi moves out of Giltrap Prestige and becomes a standalone dealership known as Giltrap Audi.
European Motor Distributors open a distributing centre in a purpose-built facility at the Airport Oaks.
2012
Sir Colin Giltrap received New Year's Honours as he was made a Knights Companion of the Order of New Zealand of Merit for his services to motorsport and philanthropy.
2013 - 2017
Nissan moves out of Schofields of Newmarket and establishes its own showroom further down Great South Road, known as Giltrap Nissan.
McLaren Auckland opens marking a historic return to New Zealand - the dealership also marked McLaren's 50th dealership on its 50th anniversary.
Giltrap City Toyota is sold after many years of being part of the Giltrap family.
The Giltrap Group become 100% owners of Archibald & Shorter (Auckland) and Roverland (North Shore). Both dealerships retail Land Rover, Volvo and Jaguar. Roverland is renamed to Archibald & Shorter North Shore.
The Giltrap Group acquires the distributor rights to SEAT in New Zealand
2017 - 2021
Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Bentley move into a new bespoke premises - 119GNR, along with Giltrap Group Head Office.
SEAT New Zealand open their first dealership in Newmarket, SEAT Store. SIXT car rental and subscription service launches. Polestar and Lotus become part of the Giltrap Group.
2023 - 2026
Giltrap Group acquires MG dealership, located at 83 Great South Road, Epsom.
In 2025, Giltrap MG dealership was sold to Winger.
Introduction of new Chinese automotive brands to New Zealand: Geely Cars, Riddara, Farizon, Zeekr, with new distribution company NordEast at the helm.