The Sun
Friday December 11, 2015
9
LocaLLy owned, nationaLLy Known Auto Super Shoppe Blenheim
The Auto Super Shoppe team. Jim and Dorothy Hasseldine with technicians Grant, Jason, Clive and Jason.
Owners Dorothy and Jim Hasseldine.
New name delivering same trusted service Formerly Topp Motors, Auto Super Shoppe continues after 40 years in Blenheim By Celeste Lodewyk When Jim Hasseldine first fell in love with cars, he was barely tall enough to see over the bonnet and that passion has never changed. Today he spends his time helping customers, trouble shooting with his staff and still can be seen getting his hands dirty. Jim, together with his wife Dorothy own and operate their business Auto Super Shoppe Blenheim, located on Houldsworth Street behind Horton Park. The busy repair and service shop is bustling with activity on a daily basis, and has been for 40 years since first opening as Topp Motors in 1975. Topp Motors began with Ian and Ann Topp. Ian had wanted to set down business roots for himself and with his background in British and European vehicles, he forged a well
known name in Blenheim. In April 1987 Jim came into the business as an A Grade Mechanic, which evolved into that of an Automotive Technician. This was a role he relished as he too shared an interest in British and European cars. Then in 2001 the opportunity arose for Jim and Dorothy to take over the business when Ian and Ann retired. “I guess you could say it was a goal of ours to have our own business, but at the time the reality was that Topp Motors had a very good reputation and it felt right to get into the drivers seat,” Jim says. The business continued under its original name up until recently. Just under three years ago Topp Motors became part of the Auto Super Shoppe network, a brand with over 90 workshops
throughout New Zealand. “Recently we changed our name to Auto Super Shoppe Blenheim as we wanted to raise our profile here in Blenheim. “It has become a well known brand and one recognised nationwide, so for us it was a good move,” Jim says. Today the business continues to provide a one-stop-service for any issue customers may experience. “Our bottom line is that we set out to solve people’s problems.” Auto Super Shoppe Blenheim continues to be well known for its work on British and European cars, as well as being a Kia parts and service agent. The workshop is fully equipped with comprehensive diagnostic equipment including six scan tools.
“Because technology is evolving at a really fast rate, we have always had a policy to evolve with it. “We are constantly upgrading and training to keep up with the latest trends which is one of the main reasons we are still here today,” Jim says. Jim and his team of technicians, the two Jasons, Clive and Grant are hugely versatile in the range of vehicles they service, from vintage Bentleys to modern Porches and Maseratis. Their skills enable them to not only service vehicles but to also deal with electrical and safety issues, SRS airbag systems, ABS brake systems and engine management. Call in and see Jim and his team to find out what they can do for you. For pEAcE oF Mind HolidAy Motoring, SEE
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Service & repair Specialist for British, European & Japanese Vehicles. All vehicle makes & models Skilled & trusted technicians Parts & Service
AUTO SUPER SHOPPE BLENHEIM Off Dobson Street, Blenheim Open: 7.30am-5pm Monday - Friday 8am -12.30pm Saturday • Ph (03) 577 9942 •
57 Houldsworth Street, Blenheim 7201 Mon-Fri: 8.00am-5.00pm
Ph/Fax 03 578 4630 toppmotors@xtra.co.nz