01 Jul 2025
More Than Cars – A Family Legacy
Family-owned and operated since February 1993, North Otago Motor Group has been a constant in the local community. We caught up with CEO Lisa Wilson to talk about their journey so far, what it’s like working with Suzuki, and why the business is personal.
Lisa grew up around the dealership – literally. Her dad, Peter, ran the show for 30 years, and the family name’s been tied to the place ever since. “When I was a kid, I used to take Dad’s business cards, twink out his name, and write mine on them,” she laughs. “I guess I always had plans.” Fast forward to today, and Lisa’s now at the helm, with her brother Michael managing new car sales – Suzuki being his main focus – and Peter still around in the background as a sounding board.
The move to Suzuki came in 2021, after Holden left the market. “We needed to find something that really fit, and Suzuki just made sense,” Lisa says. “They’re reliable, they’re affordable, and they perform really well for a brand our size.” She’s especially fond of the Jimny. “It’s cute, compact, easy to park, and it’s got such a cool, quirky look.”
It’s not just about the cars. According to Lisa, she and Michael never actually planned to work in the automotive industry growing up. Lisa became a chartered accountant, and Michael studied and worked in viticulture before moving into servicing and sales. So, what brought them back? The people. “We realised it’s not just a job – it’s part of our lives. I couldn’t live the life I live, especially with young kids, if I was doing this anywhere else.”
The family theme carries throughout the whole team. Some of the staff have been with them for decades. “Our foreman’s been here longer than we’ve owned the place – over 30 years. And our Parts Manager has been with us 25 years. We’ve got family working here too – an uncle, even a husband and wife duo. We’re really lucky, and we know it.”
Looking to the future, the plan is simple: keep doing what they do best. North Otago Motor Group is aiming to be the go-to for everything automotive in the region. From new and used cars to panel beating, windscreens, mechanical work, and WOFs – everything your vehicle needs can be found under one roof. Their roof.
And their community is at the heart of it all. They give back through local sponsorships, support schools and sports teams, and even put up a Suzuki to be won at the local golf course. “We support local so they can keep going. If we don’t, who will?”
At the end of the day, it’s a mix of great cars, good people, and real connection – that’s what drives North Otago Motor Group.