Gary Cockram Hyundai are the new official vehicle suppliers to Canterbury and Crusaders rugby in a three-year deal starting today, Wednesday, July 1.

Hamish Riach, the Canterbury Rugby Football Union and Crusaders chief executive officer, welcomed Gary Cockram Hyundai on board.

"We are really excited about the partnership," he said. " The Cockram Family, like Canterbury and Crusaders rugby, have a proud history in Christchurch, having been in the automotive business for nearly 60 years.

"It's great to have them on board and we're looking forward to working with each other in the years ahead."

Dougal Cockram, Dealer Principal, said: "We at Gary Cockram Hyundai are absolutely thrilled to be involved with Canterbury Rugby and the Crusaders. As a Red and Black rugby fan all my life, this is a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of their team.

"To be part of the best rugby province in the world is something that we are very proud of. The Cockram name has been well known and respected in Canterbury for nearly 60 years. The values of our company are very similar to Canterbury Rugby and the Crusaders - we strive to be the best.

"In a market where automotive companies are finding it tough to survive, Gary Cockram and Hyundai are bucking the trend with year on year growth."

Hyundai is the number one selling diesel passenger vehicle manufacturer in New Zealand. It reached number three in passenger sales in May 09 and is currently number two in SUV sales to date this year.