Honest tech advice for an industry in transition
The automotive and marine sectors are changing fast — EVs, online retailing, digital inspections. Get clear, independent guidance on what technology investments actually make sense for your business.
Book a Discovery CallHonest tech advice for an industry in transition
The automotive and marine sectors are changing fast — EVs, online retailing, digital inspections. Get clear, independent guidance on what technology investments actually make sense for your business.
Every vendor has something to sell you
The NZ automotive industry is in the middle of its biggest shift in decades. The Clean Car Programme is reshaping inventory. EV adoption is accelerating. Online vehicle retailing — pioneered by Turners and now spreading — is changing buyer expectations. Digital inspection reports, online finance approval, and contactless delivery are becoming table stakes.
For marine businesses, the pressures are different but equally real. Global supply chain disruption has changed ordering and inventory models. Digital configurators, virtual boat tours, and online parts ordering are emerging. NZ's boat building industry needs to modernise its digital presence to maintain its international reputation.
The question isn't whether to invest in technology — it's where. DMS upgrades, website rebuilds, CRM platforms, inventory management, online retailing tools, EV infrastructure software — the options are endless, the sales pitches relentless, and the risk of picking wrong is expensive. You need someone in your corner who doesn't have a product to sell.
Automotive & Marine × AdvisoryWhat Advisory includes
Technology assessment
A thorough review of your current systems — DMS, website, CRM, inventory tools, finance platforms — identifying what works, what doesn't, and where the gaps are.
Market & competitor analysis
How your digital presence and capabilities compare to competitors in your region and segment. Where you're behind and where you can leap ahead.
Vendor-neutral evaluation
Independent assessment of relevant platforms — DMS options, website platforms, CRM tools, listing integrations. No kickbacks, no partnerships. Just honest comparison.
EV & industry transition roadmap
Specific guidance on preparing your digital systems for EV inventory, charging partnerships, Clean Car Discount integration, and the evolving NZ regulatory landscape.
Digital roadmap
A prioritised 12-18 month plan for your technology investments. What to do first, what can wait, realistic budgets, and expected ROI for each initiative.
How Advisory works
Initial consultation
A 90-minute session at your dealership, workshop, or marina. We walk your operation, meet your team, and understand your pain points, goals, and budget reality.
Deep research
We audit your current systems, interview key staff, evaluate relevant vendors, and research best practices for your specific segment of the automotive or marine market.
Recommendations report
A clear, written report with prioritised recommendations, budget estimates, vendor comparisons, and a phased implementation timeline. Presented in person with time for discussion.
Ongoing advisory
Monthly advisory sessions to keep your digital strategy on track as you implement. Available for vendor negotiations, project oversight, or simply as a sounding board.
What you walk away with
Clarity on priorities
A clear understanding of which technology investments will have the biggest impact on your business — and which ones can wait or be skipped entirely.
Confident investment decisions
Stop guessing on DMS upgrades, website rebuilds, or CRM purchases. Make informed decisions backed by independent analysis specific to your business.
EV readiness
A concrete plan for adapting your digital systems to the EV transition — not a panic response, but a measured strategy that matches the NZ market's actual pace.
Reduced vendor risk
Avoid expensive mistakes like locking into the wrong DMS, over-investing in tools your team won't use, or building custom when off-the-shelf would have worked.
Frequently asked questions
No. Advisory is independent. We frequently recommend off-the-shelf tools, other agencies, or internal hires when that's the right fit. If we're the best option for a piece of work, we'll say so — but we also point you elsewhere when that makes more sense.
Yes. We understand LMVD requirements, MTA standards, NZTA regulations, Consumer Guarantees Act obligations, the Clean Car Programme, and how these intersect with your digital systems. We also understand MPI requirements for marine imports.
Advisory engagements start with a fixed-fee assessment phase covering the consultation, research, and recommendations report. Ongoing monthly advisory is available through our Advisory plan. Contact us for current pricing.
That's the whole point. We write for business owners, not IT departments. Every recommendation includes plain-English explanation, business impact, cost, and timeline. No jargon, no acronym soup.
Yes. Having an independent advisor in vendor negotiations levels the playing field. We know what these platforms should cost, what terms are negotiable, and what implementation traps to watch for.
Many clients do, but there's no obligation. If you move into a Launch, Grow, or Scale engagement with us, the advisory work directly informs the project — no repeated discovery, no wasted effort.
Ready to talk about automotive & marine?
Book a free discovery call. No sales pitch — just an honest conversation about what your business needs.