SIXT and the new mobility movement

Dec 17, 2020

With the launch of SIXT, for the first time Kiwi drivers have the ability to experience a clever alternative to traditional vehicle ownership with ultra-modern car rental options and a first-in-market new car subscription service covering a range of categories, including cutting-edge electric vehicles.

In many ways SIXT and the Giltrap Group are very similar businesses; both family-owned and multi-generational. Both companies also share a passion to lead, diversify and be at the forefront of the automotive industry, constantly seeking new opportunities to embrace positive change and evolution. With the launch of SIXT into the New Zealand market, that positive change has arrived, heralding a true local market evolution in mobility, along with an ultra-modern level of car rental. An innovative global company, SIXT has joined forces with the Giltrap Group to bring Kiwis a fresh alternative to car ownership with a new car subscription offering and an ultramodern level of car rental.

SIXT is all about removing the hassle of owning a vehicle by providing customised solutions that guarantee maximum flexibility and accessibility to a wide range of options

— Dane Fisher, Giltrap Group General Manager – Business Development.

“We believe this new mobility service will help steer the future of the transport industry in New Zealand. We’re confident SIXT’s no-fuss, flexible approach will appeal to Kiwis.” Together with classic short-term and long-term rental, SIXT’s subscription programme – known as SUBSCRIBE+ - also gives drivers access to flexible car usage options of six, nine or 12 months with a new vehicle that best suits their individual mobility needs. The SUBSCRIBE+ offering provides all the benefits of car ownership minus the pain points that come with it, such as insurance, registration, maintenance, and depreciation. Easy to use, book and pick up, the subscription is available with one month’s initial advanced payment at www.subscription.sixt.nz and with pick-up from the company’s Auckland Mobility Centre (120 Great North Road). The subscription will be available around New Zealand from January 2021 and will also encompass a home delivery service.

SIXT’s car rental, which is the largest premium and luxury rental fleet in the market, is now available in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. The SIXT fleet boasts an impressive range of cars – from traditional Japanese rental favourites to European and ultra-luxury offerings from the Giltrap Group’s well-regarded stable of brands. All budgets and car types are covered, with EVs, compact cars, limousines, SUVs, all-wheel drives and luxury sports vehicles on offer.

EV leadership is important to the new venture. SIXT’s rental fleet aims to beat all carbon neutral objectives, with 25% of its fleet comprised of EVs by 2025. “During the research phase before launching our new mobility option, we discovered that of those drivers interested in a subscription service, 25% were interested specifically in electric vehicles,” continues Dane. “In this regard, SIXT offers the ultimate try-before-you-buy option, giving Kiwis who are keen to reduce their carbon footprint and help preserve this amazing place we live in, the opportunity to ‘live’ with an EV for a meaningful period of time in order to assess how it can work for their lifestyle.”

Thanks to SIXT, Kiwis will now have the ability to see if an EV is right for them for as little as $79 a day, $499 a week or $1,690 a month on a 12-month subscription. Dane says that with branches throughout the country, New Zealanders have also never had greater access to EVs. “Through the adoption of new technology with a focus on the electric vehicle revolution, and increasing accessibility and education to New Zealanders, the Giltrap Group is committed to working towards the government’s vision of a carbon neutral New Zealand by 2050,” says Dane.

With motor vehicles being responsible for between 50% to 80% of all emissions, it is the single greatest contributor to urban air pollution in New Zealand. The Giltrap Group and SIXT share a united vision to tackle this issue head-on by reducing their carbon footprint and positively actioning environmental change. This a passionate subject for Sir Colin Giltrap, and one that is not just limited to motor vehicles. The Giltrap Group’s flagship office complex, GNR 119, was one of the first buildings in New Zealand to be given the 5-star Green Star design rating. Designed by Warren and Mahoney in 2017, at its opening it was the most technologically impressive and environmentally friendly building of its type in the country. Built specifically to house showrooms for three leading luxury car brands (Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Bentley) the nine-level building consists of 11 underground service bays where customers can see technicians at work, Giltrap Group offices and numerous ‘super charger’ EV charging stations.

The Giltrap Group’s unique infrastructure, which features distribution, retail, and funding, makes it possible to launch a new mobility offering into the New Zealand market that provides Kiwis with seamless and affordable accessibility to EVs. Through its partnership with the Giltrap Group, SIXT has been able to make SIXT Mobility a reality in New Zealand. An experienced e-commerce platform now in over 105 countries around the world, SIXT Mobility makes it simple for Kiwis to rent, or subscribe to a wide range of EVs, such as the Audi e-tron, Nissan LEAF and Volkswagen E-Golf.

For more information on SIXT’s rental options visit www.sixt.nz, or www.subscription.sixt.nz for SIXT’s subscription service offerings.