Car sales with care
Wheeler Motor Group’s newest showroom is WMC Premium at 99 Harman Street in Addington. Like all Wheeler outlets, you’ll find the same excellent service they’re known for. What makes this new offering special is its emphasis on higher-end vehicles.
Step into the former steelworkers’ warehouse, now transformed into an industrial chic space, and you’ll be surrounded by a stunning collection of luxury cars, from Range Rovers to Porsches, Polestars to BMWs.
Manager Will Hayde says the intention with the new site was to make them stand out.
“We want to be put on the map and known as a used dealership that offers high-quality stock at a good price.”
“Our primary aim is to offer a positive experience when buying a car. We understand that it isn’t something everyone enjoys, and we want to make the entire process enjoyable from the moment you step into the dealership,” he says.
Owner and founder Nick Wheeler mentions that there is more to its point of difference.
“We were looking for a destination that was interesting. We intentionally chose this spot because it isn’t perfect; it’s accessible and has a welcoming feel. It’s not sterile.”
This new yard means they have more options for potential buyers too, bringing the total visible stock to over 400 and the total available stock to 1000 units.
Owner Nick Wheeler has been in car sales since he was 19 years old. These days, he is still as excited as he was the day it all began and says he now has the opportunity to make a positive impact.
“It’s such a great business to be in. I love the opportunity to solve people’s problems and improve their experience.”
With WMC now 20 years old, Nick employs 75 staff across five locations: Wheeler Motor Company on Moorhouse Avenue, WMC Premium on Harman Street, and workshops and an autocentre on Disraeli Street.
Nick also values giving back to the community. They sponsor the Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai, the men’s and women’s New Zealand National Basketball League local teams. WMC provides the squads and management with fleet vehicles and servicing.
This connection was brought to centre stage with the opening gala of their Harman Street facility, which also hosted the WMC Canterbury Rams Premium Awards. This year also happens to be the 10th anniversary of the Canterbury Rams. Over 200 guests attended the gala, with the showroom transformed for a cocktail evening.
Nick says the aim of the event was to bring all the sponsors together in one room.
“It was a chance for us to get to know each other. And as we’re all Cantabrians, we should support one another.”
Alongside basketball, WMC also sponsors several other individuals and groups, including marine biologists, schools, and grassroots sports teams.
“We’re working on a sponsorship fund at the moment, where a lot of the people that we give our business to give back to the community via our sponsoring community portal, like jerseys for sports teams.”