About Us
What makes a good car salesman? Honesty and fairness. "And understanding that the person who is buying a car is most likely investing in their second biggest purchase of their life, and respecting this".
This recipe for sales success is from Don Thomson, who for many locals, is the face of Franklin new and used vehicle sales.
Don has celebrated over 40 years in the motor industry and will launch three new models this year, one from each of the franchises held.
So where did it all start?
In his father's menswear store in Auckland. It was here that Don caught the selling bug. "From about the age of 12, I would help him selling concession cards for the trams," recalls Don. "It was dad's initiative, bringing the cards into the shop, it would get people in there and they would buy a card and then maybe a handkerchief, pair of socks, or even a suit".
At about age 15, Don graduated to selling clothes on Fridays after school. It was something he was good at and something he enjoyed. Despite his knack for a sale, Don obliged his father's wishes to pursue an accountancy career, and somewhat reluctantly took a job at the ANZ bank in Auckland City. But at age 21, Don had had enough of the bank. He decided he wanted to be his own boss.
After four years with John Andrew Ford, it was time to move south, and Don joined the D & W Ford team, selling used cars in Pukekohe. For the first few years Don commuted from Auckland but eventually, with wife Jill and his young children Chris and Angela, he decided to rent a house in Manukau Road. Coincidentally, that house was located on the site of Don's yard today.
In 1977, Don and friend Roger Hood went into business together and Hood and Thomson Motors was born. "It took off quite well, and we grew the business slowly".
In 1980, Don and Roger were offered the Subaru franchise and it was an opportunity they were not going to let pass. "Subaru was the first vehicle to have all wheel drive. I perceived that it would be something that would grow in the future".
In 1982, Don bought Roger out and the business had a new name - Don Thomson Subaru. Four years later to accommodate the expansion and growing demand Don moved to the Manukau Road site the yard occupies today.
In 1993, Don was offered the Peugeot franchise. "This gave the company a European, Korean and Japanese franchise, and our customers a wider choice". Today you will still find Don out on the yard selling cars. "It's in my blood, it happens after being in the industry over 40 years". His business is continuing to grow, with two new showrooms just being completed.
Don credits his success to hard work, taking hold of opportunities, the support of his wife, children and community. As his business has grown, so has Don's community profile. He is a current member and a past president of the Pukekohe Rotary Club, a key sponsor of Pukekohe Rugby, Patron of Pukekohe Junior Boys Rugby, and sponsors Franklin Arts Festival, Clarkes Beach Golf Club and other various organisations.
In October 2004 the new company of Don Thomson Motors 04 Ltd was formed with Don's original partner, Roger, who today owns the major share holding for his son Daniel who will take over the management of the company when Don retires for the more relaxed lifestyle in 2008.
Daniel is working long and hard to follow with the ethics of honesty and integrity that the company has in the community.
As at the 1st of September Don Thomson Motors 04 Ltd has been reappointed the Suzuki Franchies holder in the Franklin area and looks forward to expanding there client base with some of the Fantastic models available through Suzuki.