He was previously the managing director and trainer for his own company, JMIS Training, based in Auckland.

The company provided professional sales, management and leadership training for motor vehicle dealers and distributors.

For 11 years, Mr Jarvis was also the general manager and dealer principal of motor vehicle distributor IUNZ Continental Cars BMW; Continental Cars; and City and West Auckland Nissan.

Continental Cars is a major Volkswagen dealership that has been operating since 1967.

Mr Jarvis, who has 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry, has a business administration diploma from the University of Auckland.

He joins Volkswagen New Zealand after the local arm sold 528 vehicles in September, more than in any other previous month.

It also last month launched the updated Tiguan SUV and new Mk8 Golf.

Volkswagen NZ general manager Greg Leet said both models achieved more than 150 per cent of their expected targets.

“Throughout March, Golf 8 recorded 161 per cent of its recent monthly sales volume average and the Tiguan facelift achieved 145 per cent of its recent monthly sales volume average as well,” Mr Leet said.

He said that Volkswagen NZ’s focus for 2021 will also shift to aftersales products to ensure servicing flexibility for customers, as well as looking ahead to complement its performance R models this year with the release of ths Golf R, Tiguan R and Touareg R.

By Neil Dowling