W R Phillips Ltd is a privately owned and operated family Company having been in business in New Plymouth since 1946. Head Office is on the original site at 156-158 Devon Street West, New Plymouth.

The Company was founded by the late Mr W R Phillips whose previous involvement in the motor industry spanned two decades. He passed away in January 1981.

The Company’s first 50 years in business, 1946 – 1996 is well documented in the 50 year book produced by WR’s elder son Rex, in 1996.

In 1946 the Company was appointed a Todd Motors dealer for North Taranaki handling the Rootes Group product from Britain, Hillman/Sunbeam cars, Commer/Karrier light commercials and heavy trucks, Chrysler & DeSoto cars from America and then a few years later from Canada & Belgium to enable NZ to have factory built RHD vehicles. David Brown tractors from Britain and Minneapolis Moline tractors from America. Humber cars were added in 1953, replacing the Hillman brand.