BRITISH supercar marque McLaren has this week crowned its Auckland dealership with the 2016 Asia-Pacific Retailer of the Year award “in recognition of its sales performance and highest standards of business operation”.

The retail incentive program for the region comprises 15 outlets in nine markets, including four in the Antipodes: the single New Zealand dealership in Auckland, and three in Australia – Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Part of the large Giltrap Group, McLaren Auckland sold 24 vehicles last year, up from nine in 2015. For comparison, the Australian network achieved 93 registrations (up from 36).

Helping secure the award was a nine-day ‘Epic’ tour staged in New Zealand late last year in which a convoy of more than 30 McLarens, driven by local and overseas enthusiasts, completed a drive program across the north and south islands to celebrate the marque and the birthplace of founder Bruce McLaren.

The Giltrap Group took on the McLaren franchise in 2013, becoming the first dedicated retail location for the brand in New Zealand and marking the 50th retailer worldwide in what was McLaren’s 50th anniversary year.

Sir Colin Giltrap, who founded the group in the 1960s and is now executive chairman, had close connections with the brand as a patron of the Bruce McLaren Trust and was an acquaintance of the young racing car driver, who rose to prominence in New Zealand during the 1950s and was fast-tracked to the UK and Formula One with Australia’s Jack Brabham as his mentor.

McLaren set up his own company in 1963, starting work on the M1A racecar and laying the foundations for what has become one of the most successful teams in Formula One history.

In congratulating the Auckland dealership on its award, McLaren Automotive Asia-Pacific managing director George Biggs acknowledged the Epic tour and the retailer’s “stellar commitment and dedication in representing McLaren”.

“McLaren Auckland provides an unrivalled level of customer service to driving enthusiasts,” he said.

“An unforgettable highlight last year was the incredible Epic New Zealand drive – 32 McLarens driving the length of New Zealand revealed the depth of appreciation Kiwis have for Bruce and the modern McLaren.

“The Auckland team worked extremely hard to deliver an unforgettable 2016 and with the arrival of the new McLaren 720S, I’m confident the team will have an even greater year in 2017.”

Giltrap Group Holdings joint managing director Michael Giltrap said the company was “thrilled” to receive the award and “ecstatic to hear of McLaren Automotive’s decision”.

“Our team worked hard to maintain a high level of service standards by focusing first and foremost on our customers,” he said.

“As the birthplace of Bruce McLaren, a fact which we will hold with pride, it makes this award more significant to us.

“This is an incredible recognition of our team’s efforts and a great start to 2017!”

According to McLaren, each of its dealerships across the region were benchmarked using an “extensive assessment process” and rated in key areas such as sales, customer service, aftersales and marketing.

Auckland now joins winning retailers from McLaren’s four other regions – Glasgow, Toronto, Kuwait City and Shanghai – in qualifying for the 2016 Global Retailer of the Year award that will be announced later this year.

By Terry Martin