68 | Dedicated home for Can-Am and Sea-Doo The new premises’ renovation has been completed in just three months, with Greg crediting local contractors, his staff, and his stepfather, David Graham. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » MotoSouth A bigger footprint is giving Invercargill motorcycle dealership MotoSouth room to build on two decades of growth, with a new neighbouring premises creating a dedicated home for its Can-Am and Sea-Doo operations. Owner Greg Baynes bought the building of a former motorcycle dealership at 161 Clyde Street in February, transforming the property into a new BRP Centre while retaining MotoSouth’s original site next door. MotoSouth now represents Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Kawasaki, KTM, Stark, and CFMOTO, backed by servicing, parts, accessories, and apparel. Greg says the move was prompted by a simple problem: MotoSouth had outgrown its existing space. “We were bursting at the seams and something needed to be done,” he says. The new building will give Can-Am and Sea-Doo the dedicated space their premium products deserve, while also providing additional office, sales, and showroom space. The new premises’ renovation has been completed in just three months, with Greg crediting local contractors, his staff, and his stepfather, David Graham, with helping turn the new site around quickly while MotoSouthcontinued operating. Greg’s wife Maria, who has joined MotoSouth after forging a career in healthcare, will be based in the new building alongside sales staff. For Greg, the expansion also reflects how significantly MotoSouth’s product mix has changed since its early days. Can-Am joined the business in 2010, at a time when the brand was still relatively unknown in New Zealand. Greg saw potential in its innovative approach and products that matched the needs of customers, particularly as Can-Am developed its side-by-side range. The launch of the Defender in 2016, specifically designed with farming in mind, proved a turning point. “It really took our business to the next level,” Greg says. The dealership has since developed a strong rural customer base, with Can-Am positioned as a premium offering and CFMOTO providing a valuefocused alternative. Kawasaki also contributes to the range of rural and recreational vehicles available to Southland customers. Greg’s connection with farming is longstanding. Born and bred in Invercargill, he grew up in a farming family before becoming a motorcycle mechanic after leaving school. His passion for riding began young, leading to motocross, cross country, and road racing. Among his proudest achievements are four Burt Munro Challenge 50 Mile Beach Race titles. Now 51, Greg has stepped back from competitive racing, but continues to ride, particularly trail and adventure bikes, and enjoys sharing the sport with his family. That passion remains central to the business, but so too does an understanding of its rural customers. Greg says Southland farmers are currently enjoying strong returns across dairy, meat, and wool, allowing some to replace vehicles sooner, although he knows the cycle will turn again. Greg says the strength of Southland’s farming sector lies in its ability to weather those cycles, something he believes businesses need to learn from.“Farmers are so resilient, and they have to be. k claymo.tash@xtra.co.nz m 0274 507 276 Proud to support MotoSouth Ltd T: 03 218 3941 143 Bill Richardson Drive, Invercargill office@refrigeration.co.nz www.refrigeration.co.nz We also need to have a business that can weather the ups and downs like farmers do,” he says. That resilience is shaping MotoSouth’s next chapter, with the new premises giving the business the space and flexibility to keep growing while remaining ready for whatever the market brings.
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