History
Cooke Howlison’s story began in 1895, when Frederick Cooke and Edward Howlison opened a small bicycle business in Dunedin. What started as a local workshop has grown into one of the South Island’s most recognised and trusted automotive groups.
From manufacturing Record motorcycles in the early 1900s to importing and selling its first Rover vehicle in 1907, Cooke Howlison has continued to evolve alongside the automotive industry while remaining proudly local.
Today, Cooke Howlison employs over 300 staff across 10 dealerships throughout Otago and Canterbury, representing leading brands including Toyota, BMW, MINI, Hyundai, MG, Isuzu, and Scania.
For generations, Cooke Howlison has been part of everyday life in the South. It is often said that almost every second person in Otago has either purchased a vehicle from Cooke Howlison, serviced with Cooke Howlison, or knows someone who has. That trust and loyalty is something the business never takes for granted.
While the company continues to grow and modernise, the focus remains the same — delivering exceptional customer experiences, supporting local communities, and building relationships that last for generations.
More Than a Dealership
Cooke Howlison is more than just a place to buy a vehicle. It is a business built on trust, community, and helping keep the South moving since 1895
