MEDIA RELEASE 16 August 2011

Crown cars to be sold through Turners Auctions

BMW 730LD cars from the Crown VIP limousine fleet will be sold through Turners Auctions over the next few months. Thirty-four cars will be progressively disposed of through tenders, brokered deals with unsuccessful bidders and public auctions.

The progressive disposal will begin soon and continue to the end of the year as new vehicles are brought into service. Some of the existing fleet will be held back to provide operational flexibility during the period of the Rugby World Cup, when it is expected there will be higher demand for limousine transport services from VIPs of other countries.

Peter Murray, deputy chief executive, shared services at the Department of Internal Affairs, says the current fleet of crown cars is being replaced after three years. “The Department is replacing the BMW 730LD 2008 fleet with a new fleet of 2011 cars.

“We considered a range of options for disposal and decided to sell the cars through Turners Auctions. It is the best option because it ensures an open and transparent sales process; we expect higher buyer interest, and importantly, value for the taxpayer by gaining the best return.”

Peter Murray says the option chosen complies with the Department’s Asset Disposal policy and usual probity requirements.

“The BMW 730LD was chosen in 2008 as the new Crown fleet because if offered advantages, including fuel efficiency, low emissions, safety rating, comfort, security and other fit for purpose features. When the Department next replaces the fleet we will go to market in a new tender process, “ he says.

Interested buyers can find out more information about the vehicles for sale at: www.turners.co.nz

ENDS

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