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.
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.
Legacy
Knighted in 2013 for Services to Motorsport and Philanthropy, Sir Colin Giltrap left an indelible mark on both the automotive industry and New Zealand. Today, his sons Richard and Michael continue the culture that Sir Colin created – the family love of cars, people, motorsport, and the local community.
We Love Cars is more than just Giltrap Group's motto. It perfectly encapsulates our team's shared vision to be a great New Zealand company driven by the love of cars. Each day our team strives to build enduring partnerships, provide excellent customer service, and deliver the world's best automotive journeys in the world's best cars.
Just like Colin.
We Love Cars is more than just Giltrap Group's motto. It perfectly encapsulates our team's shared vision to be a great New Zealand company driven by the love of cars. Each day our team strives to build enduring partnerships, provide excellent customer service, and deliver the world's best automotive journeys in the world's best cars.
Just like Colin.
1966
Colin Giltrap founded Hamilton luxury car dealership: Monaco Motors.
1970 - 1974
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 BMWAudi, 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.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.
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.
Mission
Excelling in customer service
and building enduring partnerships
and building enduring partnerships
Vision
To be a great New Zealand company
driven by the love of cars
driven by the love of cars
Purpose
We deliver the world's best automotive journeys and brands
Culture
Giltrap Group fosters a culture deeply rooted in a love for cars, people, and motorsport. We prioritise the wellbeing and growth of employees. The balance between performance and care is central to our ethos, making Giltrap Group a dynamic and inclusive workplace where every team member's contribution is valued.
Diversity & Inclusion
Giltrap Group is committed to reflecting the diversity of our valued customers and New Zealand's population within our workforce. We celebrate the unique skills, backgrounds, and experiences that each member brings to our team.
We believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches our culture but also drives our company's success. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in all our activities, including recruitment and career development.
We believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches our culture but also drives our company's success. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in all our activities, including recruitment and career development.
Values
Want to work with us?
With over 18 prestigious brands, and locations spread across Aotearoa,
the sky is the limit for your professional growth.
the sky is the limit for your professional growth.
