European car parts: more accessible than you think
New Zealanders have long had a soft spot for European cars – from the iconic charm of a Volkswagen or the timeless appeal of an Audi, to the luxury of a Porsche. With their reputation for performance, engineering, and unmistakable style, European vehicles continue to turn heads on Kiwi roads.
It’s well known that owning one of these vehicles means more than just admiring its design. It comes with the need for reliable, high-quality parts to keep it running at its best. However, there’s a common perception among New Zealand car owners that getting parts for European vehicles is a costly, time-consuming process.
Breaking down the stereotype
One of the biggest game-changers in challenging widespread views about accessing European car parts is the rise of a dedicated parts warehouse. Here in New Zealand, our European brands have a large Parts Distribution Centre, located in Auckland.
Consequently, most parts are already in the country and ready to go – over 92% of requests for parts can be fulfilled via the New Zealand warehouse. For any items not available locally, the regional depot in Malaysia can provide delivery within just 7 days.
This distribution warehouse is owned and operated by European Motor Distributors (EMD). As the authorised New Zealand importer and distributer of Volkswagen Group vehicle brands, EMD represent some of the European brands that we sell here at Miles Group. These brands namely include Audi, Cupra, Porsche, Škoda, and Volkswagen.
The Distribution Centre has experienced substantial growth over past decade, further enhancing the availability and accessibility of in-demand European car parts for Kiwi drivers. What was once challenging to source is now available nationwide, making ownership and maintenance of European vehicles easier than ever.
Distribution Centre development
This purpose-built facility is designed to centralize, streamline, and speed up access to European car parts, from importation to delivery. With a significant investment of $45m in land, construction, and operational capabilities, the warehouse is well-equipped to enhance efficiencies throughout the supply chain.
The warehouse spans up to 9,000 square metres and supports the parts needs of a national fleet of around 180,000 Volkswagen Group brand vehicles across New Zealand. What’s more impressive is the warehouse’s growth and product availability. The centre’s stock value has increased significantly over the past decades, with it currently holding approximately 60,000 product lines! Such developments are key drivers in continuing to improve both lead and turnaround times for workshops and customers alike.
This growth has a ripple effect throughout the car-owning journey. The centre ensures that Vehicle Service and Parts Technicians can complete repairs efficiently, while vehicle owners experience less downtime waiting on parts. It also strengthens New Zealand’s position as a reliable hub for European vehicle servicing, giving confidence to both existing and future European car owners and those considering the switch. As the centre continues to grow, so too does its role in supporting a more efficient, responsive, and future-ready automotive supply network.
