Many local businesses have faced tough challenges recently, so it's a joy to celebrate a North Shore success story – Devonport Car Company has proudly served the community for 30 years! Channel Mag’s Liz Cannon caught up with owner/operator Lewis Rowe to reflect on the journey.
It began back in April 1995, when the business was known as 'Point Cars'. Derek Rountree purchased the yard, rebranded, and spent 20 years building a trusted local dealership for the Takapuna–Devonport peninsula. Fast forward to 2007, and a fresh-faced 15-year-old, recently arrived from the UK, started washing the cars after school and on weekends while attending Takapuna Grammar School. That teen was Lewis Rowe. On 1 January 2016, at just 24 years old, Lewis bought the business and set out to re-ignite its proud legacy.
Lewis is, in a word, lovely. Full of energy, quick to laugh, and always up for a chat, he makes you feel like you’ve known him for years. But behind the banter is a deep passion for people and community, alongside his love of all things cars.
“Derek was all about local connections and supporting the North Shore,” Lewis says. “That’s what I learned from him, and it’s the foundation I’ve built everything on. Community spirit is key.”
Let’s be frank – words like honest, trustworthy and genuine aren’t always associated with used car dealers. But Lewis breaks that stereotype with ease. His passion, integrity and infectious enthusiasm have earned him recognition with clients and within the industry; he was awarded the prestigious BuyerScore’s 2024 'Top 3 Regional Dealership' and 2025 'Top 5 Regional Salesperson' (Auckland region). Based on real customer reviews, the accolades prove that Lewis’s positive approach is the driving force behind his success. Around 60% of sales stay local - who doesn't love the iconic 'Sales Sold To Date' sign on Lake Road, with kids and adults alike keeping tally as they drive past: “3,514 cars sold to locals now!” The remaining 40% of sales are from happy customers across Auckland and New Zealand.
Business success aside, what makes Lewis most proud? “Being locally focused and community-based,” he says without hesitation. A familiar face at local events, Lewis is a generous supporter of Bayswater Primary School’s Matariki Festival, and actively gets involved with community, school, sport club fundraisers and charity events, like the Devonport Santa Parade. “The community has supported this business for 30 years. I’ve been lucky to be in the driver’s seat for the last 10. Giving back is my way of saying thank you.”
What’s next for this local legend? Just in case you haven't seen Lewis's face pop up on all the billboards... "I'm sure locals will be seeing quite a lot of me in the coming months!" he grins. And from a business perspective, “More of the same. I’d love to secure the local location on a long-term basis. Rising lease costs are a real challenge for small businesses. Owning the land would give me the stability to keep serving the community for decades to come.” And for some R&R, when things settle back down, he’s planning some well-earned adventures. “I love a good Kiwi roadie – it combines my two biggest loves: cars and travel!"
Lewis is proud to carry on the three-decade legacy and keep Devonport Car Company at the heart of the community. He's always up for a chat, so whether you’re considering buying a car or just passing by, you’ll always be greeted with a warm and genuine smile and a few laughs, too.
Happy 30th birthday, Devonport Car Company! We’re lucky to have you local, here on the Shore.
Devonport Car Company - trusted locally since 1995
154 Lake Road, Belmont
021 108 3970
sales@devcars.co.nz
devcars.co.nz
