It's a journey
One of New Zealand’s top car salespeople, Selena Andreassend, Christchurch MINI Sales Executive, chats with Avenues about the MINI Countryman.
Selena Andreassend didn’t know she was going to get into car sales. She took a chance after university, “searching for a job that came with a car.” Now, ten years later, she’s found a place she loves, and the accolades keep coming.
In the decade that Selena’s worked in car sales, half of that time has been at Christchurch MINI Garage on Moorhouse Avenue.
From this sleek and modern showroom, she consistently delivers her signature approach, and this has seen her recognised for MINI sales nationally. She has been awarded Top Sales for MINI NZ 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
When asked what her secret is, Selena credits her ability to make people part of a journey.
“It’s all about listening to people through a process. It’s more about relationships. For me, it’s not just about that first purchase; it’s about the building long-term relationships.”
“I love working with people. The cars are definitely really cool, but I like the fact that it’s a really fun moment in people’s lives. It’s a joyful and exciting journey. It’s awesome seeing people go for a test drive and then come in with big smiles on their faces.”
Being the top MINI salesperson by volume and highest customer feedback scores in the country, all as a woman, is not lost on Selena.
“I actually find being a woman in this industry really exciting. I love working with the guys, but I think this gives me a real point of difference. People are generally impressed with my level of knowledge of the brand.”
Selena is a big fan of the MINI Countryman. She mentions that this model and MINI’s entire range have a lot of features that drivers find appealing.
“In the new model Countryman U25 just released in April 2024, for example, one of the wheel options is 80 per cent recycled. The dashboard is 80 per cent recycled; the aluminium is 40 per cent recycled.”
The car floor mats are made from recycled fishing nets, and all of the vehicles are made using renewable energy since 2021. The range’s hatchbacks are made using solar power at the Oxford factory.
“I know this is important to buyers, even if they’re buying a petrol car.”
She also loves how customisable the range is.
“I like that MINIs are not cookie-cutter. You won’t pull up to one that is exactly the same as yours. Each one is a little bit individual.”
With the MINI Countryman, buyers can pick from 79 possible exterior paint configurations, multiple alloy wheels, and three ‘Interior Worlds’. Selena also mentions their thoughtful design.
“They are a very timeless design; classic style that doesn’t date.”
“I also love the Union Jack badges and taillights – there is nothing else like it.”
Selena says she is already looking ahead, and she invites people to come and take a test drive.
“My goal for the next five years is to keep working hard to make people’s dreams a reality.”
“I want people to have fun, everyday fun. You can never be sad when driving a MINI.”