Ashburton Courier: August 24, 2023

AshburtonYamaha –
Different Name,Same Service
Back in 1977, BryanDonaldson and BruceMcKay
opened anew Yamaha dealership in the Triangle,
moving to their current premises at 734 East Street
in 1983. In 1990, Bruceretired from the business and
Bryanbecame the sole shareholder.Since then, the
business has developed steadily with expansion of
the premises and the addition of e-bikes to their
range.McKay and Donaldson is nowthe oldest
Yamaha New Zealand franchise,still selling and
servicing afull range of Yamaha motorcycles and
ATVs,46years afterthe business started. They
specializeinYamaha AG bikes and agricultural quad
bikes and areregarded as the world’sbiggest seller of
small Yamaha AGs.
In 2007, Cliff Dray joined the business as sales
manager.Since then, he has become general
manager,assuming the day-to-day running of the
business as Bryanhas stepped back from thatrole.In
the last fiveyears,Cliff has also become ashareholder.
Twelvemonths ago,Chris Learyjoined the firm
as workshop manager. Chris has 15 years in the
motorcycle industryand is afully-qualified technician.
He leads aservicedepartmentstaffed by three
motorcycle technicians with manyyears of combined
experience. Allare motorcyclists and have the
expertise and specialist equipmenttoserviceand
repair the full range of Yamaha motorcycles and ATVs,
along with all other makes.
On the 1st of September,Bryan will be retiring,and
Cliff and Chris will be taking over the franchise.Along
with achange of hands,the companynamewill
change to AshburtonYamaha, reflecting anew phase
forthe business.
Bryanhas enjoyedhis 46 years in the business and
wishes to thank Chris and Cliff and theloyal staff
members who have made McKayand Donaldson
so successful.Manyofthe customers have been
with the business forlong periods of time,including
some third-generation families.Bryan says,“I’mvery
pleased to be leaving the operation in such capable
hands and I’mconfidentthatthe new team will not
only continue to provide top-class servicebut will
also take thebusiness to anew level.”
Cliff says,“Thechange of ownership will not affect
customers –it’sbusiness as usual.People can expect
the same qualityservicefromthe experienced crew in
the showroom and workshop,just with new people at
the helm.”
Chris is very enthusiastic about the changes.“It’s an
exciting time.Owning amotorcycle shop has always
been adream of mine.” He assures customers that
most routine services will continue to be completed
the same day. Tyre fitting and all electrical issues
(Lefttoright): Cliff Dray,Bryan Donaldson, Chris Leary.
aredealt with on the premises with apick-up and
deliveryservicealso available.
Acomprehensiverange of genuine Yamaha parts
arekept in stock along with accessories including oil,
filters,batteries,tyres etc. Many popular brands of
helmets,boots,jackets and other apparel areinstore
in arangeofsizes.Most products not in stock are
available to order,often with next daydelivery.
Many of the staff arelong-serving,including Andy
Renner,who has just completed 22 years,and Teddy
Escalonawho originally joined the companyfromthe
Philippines in 2008. Andy is assisted in the showroom
by ValHenderson and Teddy by hisson TedArdiand
Kevin Harris.
Cliff and Chris wish Bryanall the best in his
retirement. They arelooking forwardtoanew eraand
have exciting plans forthe future.
(Back row, lefttoright): Andrew Renner,Cliff Dray,
Kevin Harris,Chris Leary.
(Front row, lefttoright): Teddy Escalona,
Valerie Henderson, TedArdyEscalona.
Come along to our opening day, Saturday9th September,10amto2pm, forasausage
and some greatinstoredeals –MX, road,farmand kid’sbikes along with e-bikes.
3
YEAR
WARRANTY
on all YAMAHA Farm ATVs
and Side-by-Sides
03 308 7982
734 East Street,Ashburton l www.mckayanddonaldson.co.nz
•NEW &USED YAMAHAS •SERVICING •ACCESSORIES
2607571