History

The BMW Centre known as Team McMillan BMW commenced operations in November 1967 as Ross Jensen BMW Sales on the corner of Remuera and Middleton Roads.  Ross Jensen had a total staff of 10 after the first 12 months and during that period imported a total of 6 new BMW’s into New Zealand.

In April 1984, the business was sold to Doug Johnstone and renamed Johnstone BMW.  It was at this time that BMW AG (Germany) established their New Zealand subsidiary BMW New Zealand Limited and took over the responsibility of importing and distributing BMW’s for the New Zealand market.  In December 1985 Johnstone BMW with a staff of 17, was purchased by Bob McMillan. 

As the volumes increased during the mid and late 80’s, the premises became extremely congested.  Plans were developed to relocate to modern facilities consistent with the product at the time and major renovations were made on an existing building on the corner of Great South Road and Margot Street.

On November 23 1990, with a staff of 30, Team McMillan BMW relocated to 7 - 9 Great South Road Newmarket.

Over the next 10 years, the company grew steadily with substantial new and used BMW vehicle volumes as well as parts and service sales.

In November 2001, Team McMillan was granted the franchise for one of three MINI Centres in New Zealand.  With exclusivity and responsibility from Taupo through to Cape Reinga, Team McMillan MINI opened the country’s only exclusive MINI showroom in impressive new facilities on the opposite corner of Margot Street at No. 11 Great South Road.

During 2004 / 2005, major expansion was completed with the acquisition of the lower 2 floors of the “Firestone Building” ( 11 – 15 Great South Road) and the re-building of our New Car Showroom, Service Reception, Lifestyle lounge and Parts and Service administration and Parts warehousing (7 – 9 Great south Rd).

Geoff Fletcher joined Bob McMillan as the company’s first independent Director in September 2004 having recently retired as Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand.  Prior to moving to New Zealand, Geoff had considerable experience in the retail automotive industry. 

March 2007 saw Collins Asset Management Ltd acquiring the shareholding previously held by Larry Smith, and Mr Tim Cook, Managing Director of Collins Asset Management, became the third member of the Board of Directors.  Both Geoff and Tim add substantial strength to the company’s governance, growth and strategic planning in the medium and for the long term future.

Bob McMillan resumed the day to day management and responsibilities of the company in September 2007.

Team McMillan BMW & MINI has continued to grow with over 80 fulltime, enthusiastic and loyal team members.  Annual turnover is in excess of $85m and the company is poised for an exciting future, committed to exceeding the unique personal purchasing and servicing requirements of our clients.

Welcome to Team McMillan Ltd.

Bob McMillan.