Changing Places: United Autos

Confidence in Warkworth’s future has been one of the main drivers behind Martin and Nicole Dunn’s decision to relocate and expand United Autos.

The couple set up their business 18 months ago in Glenmore Drive, but this week moved into purpose-built premises in Morrison Drive.

“We can see a future here in Warkworth,” Nicole says. “Perhaps we would be busier if we went to somewhere like Albany, but we like our lifestyle here and want to be part of the community where we live.”

United Autos specialises in selling European and Japanese used cars that are five to 10 years old, in the $10,000 to $20,000 price range.

While about half their customers come from the local area, the rest are from around NZ, who are buying the cars online.

“We price the cars competitively plus they come with a full year’s warranty and are fully serviced before they leave the yard,” Martin says. “We plan to expand the range once we settle in at the new premises.”

The other change will be the opening of a secure self-storage complex behind the yard. It will include 28 units, made up of two sizes – 6m x 3m and 4.5m x 3m.

“They will be ideal for people who are moving and need somewhere to store their goods and furniture for short periods of time,” Nicole says.

Martin hopes that once the shift is done, he will have more time to spend racing his fully modified Honda Integra. He has been involved in motor-sport since he was a teenager, racing mainly in Europe.

After leaving the British Army, he worked in the export department of the Austin Rover Group in Germany, where he met Nicole.