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1940's:
The Beginning
From humble beginnings on Dacre Street where Bill Cockram, the grandfather of Managing Director Angus Cockram, opened a used vehicle sales yard in his home.
(Pictured: Employee Joe Malcolm showing first promotional vehicle).
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1950's:
Cockram Car Sales
After selling his Dacre Street home in the 1950's, Bill Cockram opened Christchurch's first outdoor used car display on the corner of Moorhouse and Colombo Streets.
Cockram Car Sales soon became the official agents for Mercedes, Porsche, Goliath, Hansa, and Lloyd.
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1960's:
A Growing Reputation
Cockram Car Sales undergoes a major refurbishment and is appointed an official Nissan-Datsun franchise, marking an important step in the company's growth.
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1970's:
A New Generation
The next major chapter began when Gary Cockram, son of founder Bill Cockram, established Gary Cockram Ltd, continuing the family legacy and building on the foundations laid by his father.
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1980's:
Euromarque
In 1989, third-generation family member Angus Cockram established Euromarque, initially operating as a European used-vehicle dealership on the corner of St Asaph and Durham Streets in Christchurch. The venture reflected Angus's vision for the future and would become a key driver of the group's growth in the decades that followed.
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2000's:
New Opportunities
Euromarque continued to grow throughout the 2000s, becoming the authorised dealer for European brands including Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Maserati.
In 2009, the group also welcomed Great Wall Motors, marking the beginning of a partnership that would evolve into today's GWM, Haval, ORA and TANK franchises.
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Early 2010's:
CMG Motorcycles
The group expanded into the motorcycle market in 2014 with the establishment of CMG Motorcycles, providing dedicated sales, service and aftersales support for riders across Canterbury.
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Late 2010's:
A New Home
After the Christchurch earthquakes, Euromarque built a new showroom at 116-120 St Asaph Street, significantly expanding the dealership's footprint and introducing a dedicated Maserati showroom.
In 2019, the CMG Motors showroom opened as a dedicated GWM dealership, while Cockram MG was established next door, introducing MG to the group's growing portfolio.
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2020's:
Continued Growth
The decade saw continued growth across Cockram Motor Group.
Euromarque strengthened its portfolio with the addition of BYD, Jeep and RAM.
CMG Campers was established in Christchurch in 2023, bringing motorhomes and caravans into the group's offering.
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Early 2020's:
South Canterbury
2024 marked the opening of Timaru GWM and Timaru MG to better serve the South Canterbury community, bringing local sales and support to the region.
This commitment was further strengthened in 2025 with the opening of CMG Service Timaru, an authorised service centre for BYD, MG and GWM customers across South Canterbury.
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2026:
Bringing Brands Together
Euromarque introduced Forthing to the South Island, opening a dedicated showroom in Riccarton.
Dreamhaven Motorhomes and Crusader Caravans relocated to the Riccarton campus, bringing the group's motorhome and caravan brands together alongside its expanding automotive portfolio.
