In a statement to AutoTalk, Inchcape has confirmed it has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of the Great Lakes Motor Distributors (GLMD) operations in New Zealand.
An Inchcape spokesperson says in the statement, the agreement is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2023.
GLMD is currently owned by father and son team Rick and Deon Cooper. It has held the rights to SsangYong since the early 2010s, later adding the SAIC Motor-owned LDV brand.
Deon Cooper and GLMD general manager Andrew Baylis told this publication they were unable to comment on the matter but AutoTalk understands NZ dealers were informed of the move today in a letter.
In Australia Inchcape distributes Subaru, Peugeot and Citroen, in addition to its retail, finance and logistics operations. It is also the distributor of Subaru in New Zealand.
The LDV has recorded 1352 registrations and the SsangYong 602 has recorded registrations in New Zealand in the last 12 months. By comparison Subaru New Zealand’s 12-month tally was 2441 units.
