Driving forward
For more than a century, Archibalds has been part of Christchurch’s automotive landscape, and its focus remains firmly on people.
General Manager Mark Milligan says Archibalds has continued to evolve in recent years, not only through investment in its facilities, but by strengthening its connection with the wider community.
“Archibalds has always had strong relationships in our community,” he says. “Recently, we have extended and enhanced these partnerships through our associations with local schools and sporting and health organisations, such as Hagley Oval and Māia Health Foundation.”
Archibalds has also become a familiar presence at events including the Ayrburn Classic and Brit and Euro Classic, while regularly hosting drive days and vehicle launches that bring together existing clients and prospective owners.
Growth has also been happening within the business itself. The expansion of the Land Rover showroom and the creation of dedicated spaces for Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus have seen a number of new faces join the team.
“It’s been wonderful to add to the team,” Mark says. “Our new people are bringing new energy and a willingness to learn and to help our clients and partners. The business is certainly growing, and we are privileged to have such a great team.”
As the team has expanded, so too have opportunities for leadership. Rather than looking outside the business, Archibalds has focused on promoting from within.
“The addition of extra salespeople in Porsche, Audi, and Volvo has allowed us to promote staff internally,” Mark says. “Being able to reward our dedicated team members provides continuity of service for our clients while recognising the people who have helped build the business.”
That emphasis on relationships underpins Archibalds’ approach to customer service.
“Our goal is to earn people’s business for a lifetime,” Mark says. “When things go wrong, and occasionally they do, it’s the making right that matters.”
Whether the customer is purchasing a Porsche, Audi, Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, or another premium vehicle, Mark says the experience is tailored to the individual.
“Taking the time to get to know people matters for us,” he says. “For some clients it’s going to the track, a curated drive day, or a vehicle launch. For others it’s knowing what sort of loan car they like to drive or how they take their coffee. Listening and being available matters.”
Recognising that buying habits continue to evolve, Archibalds has recently introduced Sunday trading.
“Many people still want to see and drive their next vehicle,” Mark says. “We need to meet our clients at a time and place that suits their lifestyle, whether that’s at the dealership, via a video walkaround, or with a visit to their home.”
While technology has changed the way customers begin their search, Mark believes their priorities remain much the same.
“People want to know their next purchase is the right one for their lifestyle – be it a traditional motor, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric,” he says. “Once they’ve bought the right car, they want confidence around servicing and parts availability.”
Looking ahead, the focus remains on enhancing the customer experience. Alongside its new facilities, Archibalds is developing the upstairs space in the Land Rover building into the Archibalds Garage – a nod to the company’s 1918 beginnings. The space will feature an expanded history wall alongside a rotating collection of significant vehicles, celebrating both the dealership’s heritage and its future.