So says Francois Heystek, newly appointed Dealer Principal at Audi Centre Polokwane, in an interview with Dealerfloor.

CFAO Mobility merged its operations in Polokwane with those of Marble Gold, a private motoring group, and will, going forward, run the Audi Centre.

Francois was previously the Dealer Principal at the group’s Volkswagen dealership in nearby Mokopane, where a new DP will be appointed in due course. As DP at Audi Centre, he will still oversee operations at the three mentioned Volkswagen dealerships in a regional capacity, as well as another satellite VW dealership in the area. In total, he will look after 130 staff members across the board.

Back to Audi Centre. “There is ample scope to increase our share of the premium market in Polokwane and the broader region. Although our car park out there is not huge, the fact that we are now part of a national group takes our service and the availability of pre-owned vehicles to the next level,” Francois tells Dealerfloor.

“At CFAO Mobility, we believe in community involvement, not only as a way to build the brand but also to say thank you for the support from the community. This involvement covers a wide spectrum, from initiatives at the University of Limpopo to sponsorships and other facilities in the city,” he says.

Francois has extensive experience with premium brands and served as a Dealer Principal at different dealerships, including JLR and Volvo and Toyota.

“I know we have a more than suitable product range that, on the one side, serves the needs of customers who aspire to a premium brand, offering a well-equipped, stylish model range, and on the other side caters to connoisseurs who want it all in terms of style, sophistication, technology, performance, and standout design.

“It is true that the premium segment in South Africa is under pressure due to broader economic factors, but we have the product range and will deliver the service to carve out our share of the vehicle market,” he says.

“I believe you must have the right team in place and keep your staff motivated and on the same page regarding the goals that need to be achieved. The recipe to follow is to be hard on the processes but compassionate with your people to make them part of the success story.

“The very nature of our industry is process-driven, and we have to get that right the first time, every time. The people, no matter in which department, are the face of the business, and their actions carry the name of our success through the community,” Francois indicates.

He says although winning trophies, accolades, and awards is satisfying, his most fulfilling moments are when he can contribute to staff members’ growth and happiness to achieve success. “It is of vital importance, especially in a merger like this, to get staff to understand and buy into the new vision of how we do business and reap the benefits thereof,” Francois concludes.