32 | Southern Automobiles: Barry Stewart Builders T T Russell Fredric New showroommakes a statement This major renovation is part of a broader refresh across the Southern Automobiles site. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Southern Automobiles staff are thrilled with the Invercargill dealership’s newly redeveloped Mitsubishi showroom and office spaces, which officially opened following a major upgrade. “Our Mitsubishi showroom has been fully renovated to bring our valued customers an even better experience,” dealer principal Michelle Findlater says. “It’s a fresh, modern space that reflects the quality of the Mitsubishi brand and the level of service we strive to provide.” Southern Automobiles is a locally owned automotive dealership with a proud 50-year history in Southland. Over the decades, the business has grown with the market and now represents five leading global brands: Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, and Volkswagen. The Mitsubishi and Nissan franchises are based at a prominent, spacious corner site on Dee Street, bordering Invercargill’s central business district. The Subaru and Suzuki showrooms are located on another part of the same site, while the Volkswagen dealership operates from a separate location nearby. Across the five franchises, Southern Automobiles employs 43 staff. The building that houses the Mitsubishi and Nissan franchises was originally built in 1927 and, while it had undergone renovations in past decades, had become dated and underutilised. “Especially for a forward-looking brand like Mitsubishi, we wanted to invigorate both the building and the customer experience,” Michelle says. “This project allowed us to do both.” The transformation was delivered by Barry Stewart Builders and involved a full deconstruction, internal strip-out, and rebuild, with only the original exterior walls retained. The project was completed in two stages to allow the business to continue operating throughout, which required flexibility and teamwork from both staff and contractors. The result is a stunning, light-filled showroom with expanded floor space, modern customer lounge areas, and enhanced street presence. Abundant glazing creates an open, welcoming atmosphere, while some original architectural elements have been preserved as a nod to the site’s history, once home to well-known local business, Tappers. “The feedback so far has been fantastic. The new layout makes it easier for customers to browse vehicles, and the space is far more inviting and functional for everyone – staff and visitors alike.” This major renovation is part of a broader refresh across the Southern Automobiles site, including updated signage and painting to reflect the professionalism of the brands it represents. Southern Automobiles continues to operate as a full-service dealership, offering new and used vehicles, finance, insurance, and a comprehensive service centre for parts, servicing, repairs, and grooming. The business is backed by the strength of its global brands and a strong local team culture. Under Michelle’s leadership, the dealership is embracing innovation and continuous improvement. A qualified automotive electrician with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, she brings both technical insight and strategic vision to the business. She is also this year’s recipient of the Janet Lane MNZM Scholarship, awarded by the Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO), and will complete executive study at Harvard University next year as part of a leadership excellence programme. “We’d like to sincerely thank our customers for their patience throughout the redevelopment,” Michelle says. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back into this fantastic new space and showing them what’s new, including our latest vehicles with some sharp specials.” Flooring Xtra Invercargill Corner Tay & Deveron Streets P: (03) 218 7014 Flooring Xtra Winton 305 Great North Road P: (03) 236 7066 Style from the oor up CARPET TILES VINYL LAMINATE E: invercargill.winton@flooringxtra.co.nz www.flooringxtra.co.nz RES I DENT I AL & COMMERC I AL PH 03 215 9208 CELL 0274 346 012 | 0274 346 009 A/Hrs 03 213 1575 18 Arena Avenue | Invercargill • Drainlayers • Plumbing • Roofing • Registered • Bathroom & Kitchen • Renovations Proud to Support Barry Stewart Builders and Southern Automobiles for all their Structural Steel needs PH: 03 688 7412 | Email: admin@phoenixsteel.co.nz 104 Meadows Road, Washdyke, Timaru STRUCTURAL STEEL SPECIALISTS PHOENIX STEEL LIMITED
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