Keeping it in the family
– Sir Colin Giltrap
– Sir Colin Giltrap
Keeping it in the family
As the New Zealand importer and distributor, Volkswagen has been at the heart of the Giltrap Group since the days of the original Beetle. A star on the road and the big screen, the Beetle remains the most recognisable car ever built. It also remains a much-loved car in New Zealand, so to the iconic Kombi, which powered thousands of kiwi O.E.’s. Today, the brand boasts a wide range of passenger and commercial vehicles.
The distribution rights for Volkswagen were acquired in 1977. Although Volkswagen has only been in New Zealand for 43 years, it has been established overseas since 1937. The Volkswagen brand in New Zealand has become iconic and a driving force behind kiwis. Boasting two heritage cars, the Kombi and the Beetle, one would say these vehicles are the most recognisable cars in the world.
Sir Colin Giltrap was at the forefront of New Zealand’s automotive industry for over 50 years.
Now after a lifetime of being in the industry, his two sons, Richard and Michael Giltrap, are continuing his legacy. They have carried over the values of family, culture, passion and supporting local communities that their father Colin has built over the years.
Sir Colin was a keen family and businessman, with an all-consuming life-long passion for cars. He was well known for building enduring relationships, valuing people, and in the world of motorsport, which is legendary. In honor of Colin and his legacy we would thank him for all he has done for our industry in New Zealand.
