About Us
Some History
Blairs are customer driven and take great pride in forming long term relationships with customers and suppliers alike. In 1956 Robert Blair turned his hobby of dealing in motor vehicles into his full time work – this progressed and over a number of years ended up as one of the largest second hand truck dealers in New Zealand. At the peak, Blairs were employing engineers who fabricated tipping decks & trailers. Blairs then took on the Iveco and Scania agency for the South Island. Scania trucks were sold in great numbers in the South Island. As the Government made big changes to the importation laws, Blairs were one of the forerunners to import engines, parts and vehicles from Japan, North America and Europe. This side of the business grew extensively.
In 1982 Warren Blair joined the company after completing business studies and began working in the workshop preparing trucks. Blairs purchased into a tyre company that had distribution rights for Kumho tyres and in 1988 successfully negotiated the agency rights with Kumho to distribute tyres for the South Island.
In 1989 Andrew Blair joined the business after being parts manager of a Toyota franchise and running his own motorcycle business. Blairs relinquished the truck agencies in 1989 to emphasis on importing parts and tyres. Both sections of the business were predominant forces within their respective areas.
In 1994 Blairs gained the agency to import and sell Argo amphibious vehicles in New Zealand and the Pacific Basin.
Blairs became New Zealand wide distributors for Kumho tyres in 2006. The founder, Mr Robert Blair passed away at the beginning of the year.
As the business has grown in a competitive world Blairs have formed excellent relationships with customers and suppliers. Customers have come to know the high standard of products and the integrity of their dealings. Blairs have only been successful because of their loyal and dedicated staff and the family are involved in the day to day running.
Blairs Timeline
1954 – Blairs Started, founded by Robert Blair
1956 – Began trading in trucks and cars
1980 – Importing second hand motors from England and Japan
1981 – Fiat and Scania dealership
1987 – South Island agent for Kumho Tyres
1989 – Opened a Christchurch branch. No longer a Scania franchise
1993 – Invercargill branch opened
1994 – Argo distributors for the South Pacific
1996 – Dunedin/Central Otago area representative appointed (Bob Holmes)
1998 – Nationwide Goodride distributors
2003 – Nationwide Trelleborg distributors
2005 – New managing directors, Warren and Andrew Blair
2006 – Nationwide Kumho distributors. Auckland warehouse opened and Auckland area sales representative
2008 – Another sales representative for South Auckland and Waikato areas due to expansion in the North Island (Rob Griffin)
2010 – New premises for the Auckland Warehouse in Onehunga
2012 – Nationwide Petlas distributors
2014 – Sold engine business (Blairs Truck Specialists)
2015 – Continued focusing on tyres