Our story
At Ingham, our story began four decades ago with a passion for delivering exceptional automotive experiences to New Zealanders. From our humble beginnings as a small family business, we’ve grown into a nationally recognised brand, driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community. Our founder, John Ingham, set out with a vision to not only provide high-quality vehicles but to create lasting relationships with customers through trust and outstanding service. Over the years, we’ve expanded our portfolio to include leading global brands like Mitsubishi, Kia, Nissan, and more, while staying true to our roots of personalised care and service. Our journey is about more than just cars – it’s about people, and we’re proud to continue building a legacy of integrity, dedication, and growth in the New Zealand automotive industry.
1968 | The beginning
Ingham was started as Otorohanga Motors and ran as a successful Service Centre for two decades.
1986 | British Leyland and Honda
John acquires 50% of Otorohanga Motors, a Mobil Service Station. John and his father David start representing the British Leyland and Honda brands.
1988 | It started with Honda
John purchases the two neighbouring properties next to the Mobile station. In 1990, Ingham Honda – Otorohanga was officially opened.
1996 | Ingham joins the Te Awamutu community
1996 saw the purchase of a high-profile site in Te Awamutu, formally Craik Motors. Mobil Te Awamutu was opened in 1997, one of the first Pegasus 21 “On the Run” Service Stations in New Zealand.
2000 | Ingham Honda Te Awamutu
Ingham Honda – Te Awamutu officially opens and is built next to the Mobil Te Awamutu site.
2002 | Ingham team starts to grow
John took ownership of the Honda Factory in Hamilton which was rebranded Ingham Honda – Hamilton. This expanded the Ingham team from 20 to over 50 staff.
2004 | Ingham welcomes Mercedes-Benz
In partnership with his brother Robert, John ventured into the luxury market by acquiring McLeod European (Mercedes-Benz), now known as Ingham Prestige, Mercedes-Benz. This will start many Mercedes-Benz dealerships owned and operated by Ingham.
2005 | Expansion into Bay of Plenty
In 2005 Mercedes-Benz sought representation in the Bay of Plenty region. This led to the formation of Ingham-Sears Mercedes-Benz in 2006 in Mount Maunganui and the establishment of a state-of-the-art dealership – the first of its kind in New Zealand.
2008 | Establishing a Home in Waikato
By 2006 Ingham had outgrown the premises in Hamilton and acquired a large site at Te Rapa. In 2008 we opened both Ingham Prestige (Mercedes-Benz) and Ingham Honda in Te Rapa, Hamilton.
2008 | Expansion to the City of Sails
Ingham acquired New Zealand’s premier Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Auckland – Coutts Newmarket and Coutts Northshore, from the Giltrap Group.
2009 | Growth in Wellington
Ingham continued its expansion with the acquisition and establishment of Mercedes-Benz Wellington. (Previously known as Wellington Star)
2010 | a BIG year
In 2010 Ingham acquired Hyundai and Isuzu dealerships in Rotorua (Rotorua Hyundai) and Taupo (Wings & Wheels Taupo).
2010 also saw the opening of a new Mercedes-Benz Dealership in Napier trading as Mercedes-Benz Hawkes Bay.
2010 | Ingham Mitsubishi
Ingham’s growth continued with the purchase of the local Mitsubishi dealership in Hamilton, renamed Ingham Mitsubishi Hamilton.
2010 | From Honda to Mitsubishi
Ingham Otorohanga and Te Awamutu become the local authorised Mitsubishi dealerships. The Te Awamutu dealership is rebranded as Ingham Mitsubishi Te Awamutu.
2011 | Strategic Consolidation
Ingham acquired Wellington Mitsubishi. The Mitsubishi franchise was amalgamated under the names Wellington Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz Wellington. This dealership was then sold in 2018.
2011 saw the building of another new dealership in Hamilton housing Honda.
2012 | Centralisation and Focus
The sale of Coutts Northshore allowed Ingham to focus on its Newmarket operation, enhancing Mercedes-Benz Auckland into the renowned dealership it is today.
2012 | Great Wall and Chery
Great Wall and Chery relocated to a specialised brand showroom. This location was created to enhance the offerings in Hamilton. This showroom was closed down in 2020 to focus investment into the main Te Rapa dealerships. In 2012, Ingham sold Otorohanga Motors and Ingham Mitsubishi – Otorohanga.
2013 | Embracing Opportunity
Ingham said farewell to Honda after 36 years and introduced Hyundai to the Te Rapa dealership.
2013 | Brand Expansion
Ingham added the following brands to the Te Rapa dealership: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo.
2014 | Leadership Change
Trent Ingham took over day-to-day operations as General Manager, focusing on supporting Dealer Principals and staff towards a prosperous future.
2017 | Auckland’s home of Mercedes-Benz
Ingham renamed Coutts Newmarket to Mercedes-Benz Auckland. New Zealand’s largest Mercedes-Benz dealership, and Auckland’s home of Mercedes-Benz.
2018 | Ingham Rentals & Covid
Ingham Rentals was a huge success and grew in 2018 from a handful of vehicles in Hamilton, into a fleet of 200+ vehicles at six locations in Mangere-Auckland (Head Office), North Shore, Te Awamutu, Hamilton & Taupo. In 2021 the impact of COVID-19 on global travel saw Ingham transition the business back into the dealership network.
2018 | Expansion and New Ventures
April: Ingham opened the first AMG Centre at Mercedes-Benz Auckland.
May: Ingham expanded its presence in Taupo by opening a new dealership at 161 Spa Road. A custom-built site for Mitsubishi and Kia.
August: Ingham sold Mercedes-Benz Wellington to focus on growing the Taupo dealerships.
2020 | Auckland growth and Nissan
March: City Nissan became Ingham Nissan. This location entrenched our position on the North Shore.
April: Establishment of Ingham Wholesale. Our experienced vehicle buyers separated from our dealerships, providing a dedicated high-quality service to all our dealerships.
2020 | Ingham Automotive opens
Ingham Automotive in Te Rapa was built as a specialised workshop with 10 bays, in-ground hoists, and a separate tyre bay and car wash.
2020 | Ingham Suzuki opens
Ingham Suzuki joined the group in 2020 and relocated to its new standalone dealership in April 2021.
2021 | Shore expansion
Ingham increases its presence on the North Shore with Ingham North Harbour (formerly North Harbour Vehicles), representing Hyundai, Isuzu and Renault (next to Ingham Nissan), including Procar and Auto Shoppe Silverdale and Tyrepower.
2021 | Ingham Te Awamutu’s new look
The award-winning Te Awamutu dealership was refreshed with a new and modern look.
2023 | Ingham West Auckland
Ingham expands into West Auckland with the introduction of Ingham Nissan West Auckland (formerly Nissan West).
2023 | Ingham welcomes back Honda
Honda rejoins our brand suite moving into our Taupo Site in April 2023 alongside Ingham Suzuki Taupo.
2024 | Ingham Cambridge
April: Ingham Cambridge Nissan, previously Windsor Nissan, joined the group in April 2024.
July: Ingham Cambridge became Mitsubishi‘s authorised dealership in Cambridge.
2024 | Omoda and Jaecoo
April: Hyundai and Isuzu Taupo Dealership is renamed Ingham Great Lake. Omoda and Jaecoo brands join the dealership.
2024 | Dual Franchise Delight
The Ingham Hyundai Hamilton dealership became a dual-franchise site integrating the Isuzu brand alongside the Hyundai marque in Te Rapa. The dealership’s name changed to Ingham Hamilton.
2024 | New Taupo dealership
October: Ingham Great Lake opens a new, modern super site at 99 Titiraupenga Street. Ingham is thrilled to launch Nissan and Holden in the new dealership, alongside Hyundai, Isuzu, Omoda and Jaecoo.
December: Ingham Great Lake becomes the authorised GWM dealership for Taupo.