Bunnings is set to expand its automotive range in New Zealand by roughly 20%, encroaching on industry stalwarts. The hardware retailer, owned by ASX-listed Wesfarmers, has been operating in New Zealand for 25 years. Last year it reported revenue of $1.74 billion, with a net profit of $69 million forthe year. Bunnings NZ first launched into auto products such as oils and washes in March last year but now it’s making a bigger push off the back of what it sees as growing demand. “We’ve got five million registered vehicles in New Zealand, and a lot of Kiwis are very passionate about maintaining their vehicles,” says Melissa Haines, Bunnings NZ general manager. “When times are tough for the cost of living, having a really convenient offer where you’re normally shopping, that’s of value. “The expansion of product categories is just about how Kiwis are changing. From the front gate to the back fence is how we think about the range in Bunnings.” The business is set to add another 300 products in its auto range from several new brands, taking the total to roughly 1000 products. Haines hinted this would include more automotive tools, towing and recovery gear, lighting and car technology and some marine products for boat cleaning, with more in-store bays dedicated to the category. The auto category in New Zealand already has several competitors but is dominated by Repco (owned by US-based Genuine Parts Company) and Supercheap Auto (owned by Australian company Super Retail Group). In its last full-year financial result, Genuine Parts Company reported total revenue of $568.5m and a profit of $26.9m for New Zealand, although this includes other businesses under its portfolio so the amount earned specifically by Repco is unknown. As for Supercheap Auto, it reported total New Zealand revenue of $191.5m and