About Us
Our Origin
Auto Trail has been a family business, 100% New Zealand owned and operated since 1987. Originally, the business operated out of a small garage and a rep vehicle, providing automotive accessories to Automotive workshops, garages and service stations.
The company name (Auto for automotive and Trail for trailer components) was chosen to reflect our business offerings and our range widened from initially accessories only to include automotive parts, tools, trailer components, tractor spares and workshop/garage equipment.
At the same time, our target market increased to include workshops, engineering businesses, farming contractors and similar. Trade business sales make up a large proportion of our business although we have always had a retail offering for those customers wanting to do their own vehicle servicing and trailer repairs.
The launch of our full e-commerce website in 2018 serves as a means for Auto Trail to reach customers outside of the Waikato and offers the ability for customers to see some of the range of products we have available. In time the website product range will increase to include Trailer parts and other tool brands.
Our Team
Jeremy Waters
Managing Director
Phone: (021) 607 281
Annie Waters
Office Admin/Director
Ray Thompson
Sales Representative
Phone: (027) 472 5781
Garrick Page
Sales Representative
Phone: (027) 222 0038
Kelly O’Neill
Warehouse Manager
Craig Williamson
Phone & Counter Sales
Kevin Howarth
Phone & Counter Sales
Kelvin Ryan
Phone & Counter Sales
Jarrod Bell
Phone & Counter Sales
Wayne Warrender
Oil Deliveries
Tom Rostron
Oil Salesman
Phone: (027) 516 0222
Paul Morris
Speedometer Service / Carburettor Repairs
Gail Crean
Accounts Clerk
Our Timeline
1987
The Company was founded in 1987 by Stewart & Marilyn France.
1988
Trojan & Hamal brands were added to our product range.
1989
Moved to our current location at 3 Empire St, Frankton.
Ray Thompson joined the company.
1990
Aigo & Koken brands were added to our product range.
1991
Craig Williamson joined the company.
1992
Narva brand was added to our product range.
1996
Kelly O’Neill joined the company.
1997
Kevin Howarth joined the company.
1998
Sparex was added to our product range and we expanded our warehouse.
1999
Bosch was added to our product range.
2000
Teng Tools were added to our product range.
2003
Garrick Page joined the company.
2006
Total Oil was added to our product range and we expanded the warehouse again.
2007
The Speedo Shop was added to our business.
John Martin joined the company.
2011
Josh Martin joined the company.
2012
Tom Rostron joined the company.
2013
Gail Crean joined the company.
2015
The Carburettor Shop was added to our business.
Jarrod Bell joined the company.
2016
New Owners, Jeremy & Annie Waters, took over Auto Trail ownership.
Our Objectives
The primary objective of Auto Trail is to provide quality service and products to clients in order to mutually benefit clients and Auto Trail Ltd.
These objectives will be achieved by:
- Providing friendly, courteous and efficient service in a manner that communicates to the client their value to Auto Trail.
- Stimulating a work environment that encourages a high level of customer support through recognising the important role of all staff members and the need for an effective team atmosphere.
- Providing a selection of stock at a price and quality level that meets the requirements of the targeted clients.
- All staff promoting the business as an efficient professional and client supportive organisation through their actions and by maintaining a high standard of personal and company asset presentation.