The head of troubled finance company, South Canterbury Finance, Alan Hubbard, has been suspended from the National Business Review 'rich list', released today.

Despite Hubbard's loss, eight automotive identities remain in the list, led by the Spencer family.

According to NBR, the NZ automotive 'rich list' is:

The Spencer family - $700 million

While the family made its money in paper and property, it is a key partner in Colin Giltrap led projects, most notably Hyundai. Howard Spencer is well known as a director of the distributor.

Alan Gibbs - $420 million

The man behind the Anzeal Nova continues to produce cars today - although of a slightly damper form. His Aquada amphibious sports car - along with SUV and ATV versions - have entered, or are in the process of entering, production in the UK and US.

Colin Giltrap - $300 million

The fourth richest car dealer in the UK, Colin Giltrap continues to dominate much of the local retail market, particularly in Auckland.

He maintains distributor arrangements for Volkswagen Group brands, Hyundai, and most of the European super cars outside of Italy.

Rumour is Giltrap behind the Geely and Isuzu Ute arrangements in NZ.

He's a huge benefactor of  New Zealand motorsport, but in the last year made an even bigger headline by purchasing a $5.5 million dollar holiday apartment in Mt Maunganui.

Sam Morgan - $300

Not strictly automotive, but Morgan did launch, and continues to guide, the biggest marketplace for vehicle sales in the country - Trademe.

John Copson - $265

The man who launched Autosure continues to play an active role in the automotive industry with the Crown Motor Group.

Neville Crichton - $160

What Colin Giltrap does not control here in the European car business is most likely in the hands of Neville Crichton.

His trans-tasman Ateco empire distributes. Fiat group product including Ferrari and Maserati. The firm splashed out $32 million at the start of the year on a new Ferrari facility in Sydney.

Ateco is also behind the entry of Great Wall and Chery into the region - and has indicated an intention to import Chinese made electric cars.

Richard Balcombe-Langridge - $55

A keen Rolls-Royce collector, Richard Balcombe-Langridge continues to own Metropolitan Rentals, now run by his son Andrew, among other property investments.

Gibbons Family - $50

The Wellington based Gibbons family continues to own 60% of the publicly listed Colonial Motor Group, and with it 12 dealerships around the country, predominantly Ford and Mazda, along with Southpac trucks, a Suzuki motorcycle franchise and tractor dealerships in the South Island.