In business, some partnerships just make sense. They’re built on a foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and a long-term vision. The recent collaboration between Southern Motor Group and premier global protection company Assurant is a perfect example of this. Together, these two organisations bring decades of credibility and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.
A Legacy Rooted in People and Progress
Walk into any Southern Motor Group dealership and you’ll feel a sense of history and heart. Founder Ken Cummings still remembers the very first car he sold more than 50 years ago: a 1966 Ford Cortina Mk1, exchanged for $1325. Back then, Ken ran his business on a small, gravelled site in Dunedin, funded by savings from his days working in Australia. What started with just ten cars and a mobile cabin has grown into a major operation, boasting flagship premises Southern Motor Group on Andersons Bay Road in Dunedin, Queenstown Motor Group in Remarkable Park, Queenstown, and Southern Automobiles in Invercargill, Southern Motor Group Glenda Drive, along with Best Car Rentals, which operates a fleet of 100 vehicles. In total, he employs about 120 staff across the South Island.
These humble beginnings shaped Ken’s outlook. In the early years, sourcing cars was a real grind. Long before the internet, he spent mornings scouring newspaper ads, competing fiercely in a crowded market. Despite the challenges, Ken stayed true to his work ethic and passion, qualities that run deep in the company to this day. For him, it’s never just been about cars or buildings—success has always been about people. Many of his team have stuck by his side for decades, with around 35% clocking up over 10 years’ service, and a select few surpassing 40 years.
Ken sums it up simply: “To be successful you've got to surround yourself with good people because you just cannot do it all by yourself.” It’s an insight that underpins not just his business philosophy, but the vibrant culture that keeps staff motivated and customers returning. As he sees it, building a loyal, dedicated team and maintaining strong work ethics are crucial, especially in a fast-moving, competitive industry like this.
Connecting Values: The Right Fit with Assurant
Finding the right vehicle solutions partner meant looking for similar values: people focus, integrity, and innovation. Southern Motor Group found that in Assurant. Assurant — following the completion of Protecta Insurance’s rebrand to Assurant in New Zealand — brings global capabilities and local expertise to the market, a reputation for quality, and a knack for embracing fresh ideas. It’s no surprise they stand out: Assurant is a Forbes 500 company, and also recognised as one of the World’s Best Employers. More recently, Assurant was recognised with the Feefo Platinum Trusted Award for 2026.
It’s the relationship that truly matters. Ken noticed right away that “what they say is what they do”, a trait that doesn’t just earn trust, but keeps it. Assurant is fuelled by a dedication to talent and encourages new ways of thinking, just as Southern Motor Group has evolved from its roots to embrace progress. Both businesses know that success is about bringing good people together, nurturing their skills and fostering a strong sense of purpose.
This partnership isn’t just about business; it’s about their shared values of credibility, longevity, and genuine care. For customers, that means a seamless experience and the assurance that a trusted team is looking out for them. When a company’s legacy and its partner’s innovation meet, great things happen, not just for their people but also for the communities they serve.
