BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: CONTINENTAL CARS BMW, TAKAPUNA
New leader at Takapuna’s iconic BMW dealership
Sean Parrey, new Dealer Principal at Continental Cars BMW.
Continental Cars has appointed well-known Shore local Sean Parrey as Dealer Principal at Continental Cars BMW, the popular local dealership that was formerly Jerry Clayton BMW. The appointment comes at an exciting time for the business as it readies itself for the move to a brand new site in mid-2018. Earthworks are well under way at that site in Wairau Road (opposite Porana Road). When completed, the new dealership will be three levels, including ground level showrooms and vehicle display areas, first level parking and service/parts reception and a service and parts operation on the top floor that will be three times the size of the present operation. Staffing is expected to increase to over 100 at the new location. “To say I am excited about the opportunity is an understatement,” said Sean Parrey, when we popped in for a chat in late May. “I am excited at not only taking over the leadership of this iconic dealership, but also the work that we have ahead as we transition to our new home, a facility that will be New Zealand’s most state-of-the-art motor vehicle operation.” Sean and Deidre, his wife of 13 years, live in Campbells Bay and their two children attend Campbells Bay Primary. Sean is a born and bred Shore local, having attended Glenfield College before moving into the motor vehicle business. He has done his time in the industry, in sales as well as stints in the rental car and tyre sectors before moving into leadership roles. Sean has been with the Sime Darby/ Continental Cars group for some time having previously been Dealer Principal at Continental Cars Ferrari and most recently City Nissan in Wairau Valley. Outside of work his young family is a real focus and Sean also enjoys golf, boating and following a range of sports. He lives in the right place for all that! Sean has a strong plan for the business. “My initial focus is on two things at Continental Cars BMW. Firstly, ensuring that we are continuing to engage with the local Shore community and providing the highest levels of customer service to our loyal and valued customer base. We have been here for a long time and play a significant part in the community. Secondly, preparing ourselves for the transition to the new site. The two things really do go hand-inhand. Our team is excited about the 18 months ahead of us. BMW has
Sean Parrey (centre) and his service management team. Alan Baker-Slater (Service Manager, right) and Graham Porter (Assistant Service Manager).
some very exciting product advances happening in that time as well, starting with the launch of the new X3 in the second half of this year.” There are two other new faces that have joined Sean in leadership roles at the dealership. Alan Baker-Slater is the new Service Manager. He comes from a strong background in European motor vehicles, having also worked at Continental Cars Ferrari as Service Manager and Coutts Mercedes Benz. He cut his teeth in the industry in the UK. The new Assistant Service Manager is Graeme Porter, an Albany local who has come over from Auckland City BMW (formerly Team McMillan). He has been with the BMW brand for over 20 years and has won awards as New Zealand’s number one BMW technician. Continental Cars BMW: Sean Parrey, Dealer Principal, Email sean.parrey@continentalcarsbmw.co.nz Visit: www.continentalcars.co.nz/bmw/
www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 77 - June 2017
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