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.
The BB Motor Group has just opened two GAC Motor dealerships, one in Hatfield, Pretoria, and the other in Polokwane. The BB Motor Group has a strong presence in Gauteng, Limpopo, the Northern Cape and Free State, representing a vast number of brands.
We had a chat to Rudi Schuster, the Sales Manager (main photo) of GAC Motor at BB Hatfield Multi-Franchise, which accommodates Mahindra, Suzuki and Renault. Rudi also looks after Renault and has years of experience in the motor trade in different capacities.
“We are extremely excited about GAC Motor and the opportunity it presents to draw more and new customers to our group. As with any new brand, potential buyers are cautiously curious about the new nameplate.
“There is a growing interest in GAC Motor and as the brand is very new, marketing it robustly will generate even more interest. We have a number of vehicles on the floor and also exhibit regularly at venues like the Brooklyn Mall,” Rudi tells Dealerfloor.
“The very dynamic shape and dramatic visual impact of the GAC Motor Emzoom and Emkoo surely draw a lot of attention. We are also keen to showcase that the vehicle is a high-quality, high-tech car and a great value proposition.”
Asked about the typical customer showing interest, Rudi says middle class families are attracted by the brand as the vehicle is very practical. “It is the kind of vehicle that has a broad appeal, and more models will be added to range in the near future. We have trained technicians and an expert technician looking after the brand, and our sales teams have been trained in all aspects.”
Rudi says the showroom is nearly finished, and the sales teams can do cross-selling. “We believe in the veracity of the saying that if you can’t sell a vehicle to a customer, your competitor will. With the four brands we have at this dealership, we cater for various tastes in a variety of segments and different price categories. We are a one-stop shop with the customer’s satisfaction and repeat business being our aim.”
He says Chinese brands have found a wide acceptance in the country, offering exactly what a large number of vehicle buyers are looking for and that GAC Motor fits in perfectly with an extra dose of flair customers want.
“Even small things like the designation plates on the vehicles being manufactured from aluminium enhance the premium look and feel the brand presents. This is furthermore evident in our modern showroom and most importantly in the vehicle itself.”
He tells us that there is still a lot to be done to get the brand to a popular level like well-established brands, but that with the right product and marketing, GAC Motor could most certainly be heading in that direction.
“This is a brand that can take you far, and we intend to do exactly that,” Rudi concludes.
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