It’s opening day for AA Auto Centre Whakatāne, now the 40^th AA Auto Centre open for business in New Zealand and third in the Bay of Plenty region.

The new AA Auto Centre is located at 69 Mill Road, Whakatāne, just down the road from the Hub Shopping Centre.

Owner Brian Keindel, who has been in the motoring industry for more than 40 years, says his team is looking forward to welcoming motorists to the Whakatāne AA Auto Centre.

“We know the Whakatāne community well and how friendly the people are, so we are very pleased to be up and running for them. Our fully-qualified team can handle all their mechanical needs, big or small.

“We’ve got the latest equipment and a state-of-the-art workshop which is in a very handy location near the Hub Shopping Centre and the Whakatāne Mill. There’s easy parking and it’s easy to spot –just look for the bright yellow building on Mill road.”

Customers can visit the AA Auto Centre for WoFs, services, repairs, oil changes, AA 10-point checks and more. All services are covered by the AA Motoring guarantee.

AA Motoring Services General Manager Jonathan Sergel says, “Whakatāne locals can expect the same high-quality service we pride ourselves on throughout the AA Auto Centre network and we’re excited to be bringing this service to a new area in the Bay of Plenty.

“We’re incredibly proud to now have 40 AA Auto Centres in our network from Whangārei down to Dunedin - a great achievement stemming from our strong team, AA brand and our loyal customers. We already have plans to continue our spread across the country in the years to come.”

The Government's Covid-19 amnesty on WoFs came to an end on 30 November.

Jonathan says, "That means it's now illegal to drive any vehicle with an expired WoF, except for the purpose of getting it renewed.

"So don't delay – book in your vehicle for its WoF at Whakatāne AA Auto Centre today."

The fine for driving with an expired WoF is $200.

AA Auto Centre Whakatāne is open Monday to Friday. Bookings can be made at https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/owning-a-car/maintenance/service-your-car-with-aa-auto-centre/location-finder/aa-auto-centre-whakatane/  or by calling (07) 307 8236.