SOUTH Australian-based Peter Kittle Motor Company has made its first move into Victoria after buying multi-franchise car retailer, Markwell’s Auto Group.

Peter Kittle, which already had three locations in South Australia and in its home-base of Alice Springs where it started in 1988, bought Markwell’s BMW, Mazda and Toyota dealerships in Mildura, on the Murray in north west Victoria.

Rod Markwell, who bought out the Rigby family’s BMW, Toyota and Mazda dealerships in Mildura 15 years ago, told GoAutoNews Premium that it was time to move to other challenges.

“It’s a changing game,” he said.

“I sold because of a lot of factors, including coming changes in the industry, and believed I wasn’t the right person to take the business to the next level.

“I think Peter Kittle, and Peter’s son Andrew who is the CEO, is the right company and are the right people to take the business through the changes.”

Andrew Kittle told GoAutoNews Premium that he had admired the way Mr Markwell had built the dealerships and when the opportunity came to acquire the businesses, saw good synergy and growth potential.

“We have a general strategy for growth and we look at strong brands,” Mr Kittle said.

“We operate on a similar family business model to Rod’s business so it was a natural extension for us.

“For the future we are open to further opportunities.

Mr Markwell – who has a total of 30 years sales experience with Toyota – has expanded the Toyota, BMW and Mazda brands. He built separate showrooms for each, increased staff numbers from 19 to 82 over the 15 years, won five BMW trophies and a President Award and two Dealer of the Year awards from Toyota. Included in the sale to Peter Kittle are Mildura Toyota Used Cars and a major pre-delivery centre.

Mr Markwell also owns Budget Rent-a-Car that operates from Mildura Airport and has opened Mildura Off Road Ironman 4×4, Outback Can-Am, and Outback Trays and 4×4. He said his next chapter is continuing to run and grow these businesses.

Markwell’s Auto Group has been a strong community sponsor, particularly support of local youths through a six-year support of the Toyota Hothouse and Aussie Hoops programs. It is also active with the Zoe Support Foundation for young mothers.

Mr Markwell said he was proud that the Peter Kittle Motor Company has agreed to continue to support those programs.

The Peter Kittle group, which started in 1988, adds Mildura to dealerships at Para Hills in Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Alice Springs. Franchises are Toyota, Holden, Mitsubishi and Mazda. Mildura adds BMW, Toyota and Mazda.

It also owns a collision repair business in Para Hills in Adelaide and RedStar Car Carriers that operates throughout Adelaide.

By Neil Dowling