Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 15, 2024

1. Introduction

Sbard Gran Automotive ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us in any way.

This policy complies with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and other applicable privacy laws. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Name and contact details (email address, phone number, physical address)
  • Vehicle information (make, model, year, registration, mileage)
  • Financial information (for financing and payment purposes)
  • Driver's license information (when required for test drives or services)
  • Communication preferences and history
  • Service history and maintenance records
  • Insurance information (when relevant to our services)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address and geographic location
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent on our site
  • Referring website information
  • Device information and screen resolution

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
  • Improve our website functionality
  • Provide personalized content and advertisements
  • Enable social media features

You can control cookie settings through our cookie management system or your browser settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

We use your personal information for:

  • Providing automotive sales and services
  • Processing vehicle purchases, sales, and trade-ins
  • Arranging financing and insurance
  • Scheduling and conducting vehicle services and repairs
  • Managing warranty claims and recalls
  • Communicating about your vehicles and services
  • Processing payments and maintaining financial records

3.2 Secondary Purposes

With your consent, we may also use your information for:

  • Marketing and promotional communications
  • Newsletter and blog updates
  • Customer satisfaction surveys
  • Notifying you of special offers and new inventory
  • Improving our services and customer experience
  • Website analytics and optimization

3.3 Legal Obligations

We may use your information to:

  • Comply with legal requirements and regulations
  • Respond to law enforcement requests
  • Protect our rights and property
  • Investigate and prevent fraud or illegal activities
  • Maintain accurate business records as required by law

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third parties who assist us in:

  • Vehicle financing and loan processing
  • Insurance services and claims processing
  • Vehicle history and background checks
  • Payment processing and financial services
  • Marketing and communication services
  • Website hosting and technical support
  • Legal and accounting services

4.2 Business Partners

We may share information with:

  • Vehicle manufacturers for warranty and recall purposes
  • Parts suppliers for service and repair needs
  • Other automotive businesses for referrals
  • Professional associations and industry bodies

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, including:

  • Court orders and legal proceedings
  • Government agencies and regulatory bodies
  • Law enforcement investigations
  • Tax authorities and financial reporting requirements

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of our business, your information may be transferred to the new owner, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

  • Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
  • Secure server environments and access controls
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Employee training on privacy and security practices
  • Physical security measures for our facilities
  • Secure disposal of confidential information

5.2 Data Breach Procedures

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will:

  • Immediately investigate and contain the breach
  • Notify relevant authorities as required by law
  • Inform affected individuals if there is a risk of harm
  • Take steps to prevent future breaches
  • Cooperate with investigations and regulatory requirements

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and legal requirements:

  • Customer records: 7 years after last transaction
  • Vehicle service records: 10 years for warranty and safety purposes
  • Financial records: 7 years as required by tax law
  • Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe
  • Website analytics: 26 months maximum

7. Your Rights

Under New Zealand privacy law, you have the right to:

7.1 Access Rights

  • Request access to your personal information we hold
  • Receive a copy of your personal information
  • Know how your information is being used

7.2 Correction Rights

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Update your contact details and preferences
  • Ensure your records are current and accurate

7.3 Communication Preferences

  • Opt-out of marketing communications at any time
  • Choose your preferred communication methods
  • Update your newsletter and promotional preferences

7.4 Complaints Process

If you have concerns about our handling of your personal information:

  • Contact us directly using the details below
  • We will investigate and respond within 20 working days
  • You may also complain to the Privacy Commissioner if unsatisfied

8. Cookies and Online Tracking

8.1 Types of Cookies

We use different types of cookies:

  • Essential cookies: Required for website functionality
  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand how you use our site
  • Marketing cookies: Used to show relevant advertisements
  • Preference cookies: Remember your settings and choices

8.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

  • Our cookie consent banner and settings
  • Your browser's privacy settings
  • Third-party opt-out tools
  • Disabling cookies entirely (may affect functionality)

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

  • Financing partner websites
  • Insurance provider sites
  • Social media platforms
  • Vehicle manufacturer websites
  • Industry resources and tools

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be stored and processed outside New Zealand, including in countries that may have different privacy laws. When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy rights.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

  • Post the updated policy on our website
  • Update the "last modified" date
  • Notify you of significant changes via email or website notice
  • Provide a transition period for major changes

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Sbard Gran Automotive
125 Great South Road
Auckland, 1051
New Zealand

Phone: +64 9 275 8900
Email: [email protected]

14. Privacy Officer

Our Privacy Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with privacy laws and handling privacy-related inquiries. You can contact our Privacy Officer directly at the contact details above or by marking your communication "Attention: Privacy Officer".

15. Applicable Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by New Zealand law, including the Privacy Act 2020. Any disputes will be resolved in accordance with New Zealand law and in New Zealand courts.