Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
A very special Mercedes-Benz Actros truck was recently delivered to Kelrn Tansport in Barkley West. It was an Actros 2652LS/33 Truck Tractor, and its chassis code shows that it is the 750 000th completely knocked down (CKD) kit produced in the Daimler Trucks and Busses Plant in Woerth, Germany.
New Vaal Motors in Kimberley was the selling dealer, and for Johann Liebenberg, Dealer Principal of the Commercial Vehicles Division, it was also a day that holds a very special personal significance that he shared with us.
“In 1983, Kelrn Transport purchased its very first New Mercedes-Benz Powerliner. Kenne de Kock and his father (Kenne Snr) took delivery of the vehicle on the family farm in Barkley West, which was delivered by my grandfather, Jannie Wiehahn.
“It has been 37 years since that delivery took place and there I was, delivering a very significant Mercedes-Benz Actros Truck to the same business, on the same farm and in the same spot my Grandfather stood,” Johann told Dealerfloor.
Kenne de Kock (left) from Kelrn Transport receives the new Actros from Johann Liebenberg from New Vaal Motors.
He says it is days like that where you really just have to take a step back, appreciate the significance and thank the Creator for the opportunities you are blessed with.
“There were so many people, past and present, who worked hard to create The Mercedes-Benz Trucks Legacy, and I am very proud to be part of that heritage and will endeavour to play my role in assuring we build on this foundation for future generations to come,” he added.
Since that day in 1983, Kelrn Transport, under the leadership of Kenne de Kock, grew into one of the most significant transport companies in the country. The fleet has been built up to over 100+ vehicles, and Johann reflects on this. “I have conducted business with Kelrn Transport for the past 15 years, and I am proudly part of the Kelrn Family. We are constantly exchanging ideas on how to take the businesses forward with innovative and out-of-the-box thinking. We are truly two businesses united that support and trust each other in every aspect.
“Kenne is a true gentleman of the transport industry, and his knowledge is absolutely priceless. I certainly tap into that experience from time to time knowing he is only a phone call away when I need advice or information,” Johann says.
Daimler Trucks and Busses Southern Africa recently introduced its new range of Actros and Arocs models to the market. Johann says this is an exciting time for the brand, the dealer network and customers.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros was crowned International Truck of the Year 2020, an achievement desired by many but achieved by few, Johann concluded.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
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If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
One of the latest Chinese automotive brands to establish itself in South Africa, GAC Motor, is benefitting from the expertise of well-known motor groups in the country, like the BB Motor Group.
Stellantis has announced the expansion of its multi-franchise dealer network with the addition of the Fiat and Jeep brands to the existing Westvaal Motor Group dealership in Klerksdorp in North West Province.