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