JUCY expands into the UK — Exporter Magazine
A New Zealand vehicle rental company will launch a multi-million dollar expansion into the UK market to capitalise on potential British accommodation shortages during the 2015 international rugby tournaments.
JUCY, which operates throughout New Zealand and in the competitive US and Australian markets, will launch in the United Kingdom by mid next year.
The planned move into the UK has led to the purchase of almost $5 million dollars worth of new luxury campervans which will be rented to tourists in both New Zealand and the UK.
JUCY’s Chief JUCYfier (CEO) Tim Alpe says the company’s growth has been consistently strong with sales up 21%, and 2015 is the right year to continue its international expansion.
“The influx of rugby fans throughout England next year will ensure strong demand by extending the summer season for us, and this significantly reduces any risk associated with launching the brand in a new market,” says Alpe.
Alpe says considerable resource has been poured into the planning of the accommodation export venture, with the process expedited through Government assistance.
“New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has provided valuable market insight and data which will allow us to move into the UK market as seamlessly as possible,” he says.
Alpe says opening a branch in England will also help with staff retention.
“We have a number of very experienced staff wanting to go on their O.E., the new London office will provide us with a way to retain their expertise within the company and enhance staff progression and satisfaction levels at the same time”.
That higher standard of accommodation will see the new multi-million dollar Lucy Class fleet of campervans introduced into the UK and New Zealand markets next year – under the JUCY brand umbrella.
The new four berth JUCY Casa high-spec 2014 Fiat Ducato motorhomes come with a custom Italian-built interior including a shower and bathroom facilities, and are the first vehicles in the new class, targeted at travellers looking for a more premium road trip experience but still at a competitive price-point, says Alpe.
