Says Wayne Simmonds, Dealer Principal of Suzuki Northcliff and of the new Suzuki Strijdom Park: “Opening up a dealership here has surpassed our wildest expectations in all respects.”

“What also came as a surprise as we had no data to rely on and as it is a brand-new dealership, was the fact that our customer base is very different from that of our Northcliff dealership just a few kilometres from here.”

Suzuki Strijdom Park is the newest dealership in the Trust Auto Group, which now owns five Suzuki dealerships, the other being Suzuki Bryanston, Cape Town, Helderberg, Northcliff and then Strijdom Park. The well-established automotive group used to have different brands in the past but decided to focus on and specialise in only Suzuki.

The success of this focus is seen in the number of Dealer of the Year awards the group’s different dealerships have won in various categories, including a number of Dealer of the Year awards. In last year’s Suzuki Auto SA awards ceremony, Suzuki Northcliff was awarded the Elite Dealer title and was placed second in the Top Sales Volume Dealer category.

Wayne tells Dealerfloor that many other brands have occupied the well-known building in this business hub of Randburg over the past 26 years and that most criteria for a dealership were in place owing to the history of the facility.

“We obtained another premises close by that we use for storage as space is limited here. We excel in all aspects of the business, especially the after-sales department. Our workshop is kept busyservicing vehicles as our location lends itself to customers in the surrounding suburbs and fleet operators and Suzuki owners working in this bustling area have made us their preferred choice,” Wayne says.

“I am happy about the fact that we serve two very different kinds of buyers at Strijdom Park and Northcliff as it broadens our customers base tremendously. With the new dealership, we filled a gap between our Northcliff and Bryanston dealerships for the benefit of Suzuki owners.

“Both dealerships are profitable and even without data about what to expect, we had already looked at the possibility some two years ago, so when the opportunity arose, we were ready and prepared to take the big step.

“It also assisted us when the Northcliff dealership was struck by a severe storm last year and we could use some of Strijdom Park’s facilities to alleviate the pressure while we were busy getting Northcliff fully functional,” he tells us.

Wayne is very proud of the workforce at both dealerships and boasts about the pleasant atmosphere and good vibe at both. “Although our approach at the two dealerships differs to accommodate the needs and aspirations of our customer base, anyone dealing with us will remember the unforgettable experience. We allow our staff to operate according to their own personality and skill sets, which make for a unique and professional experience.”

“I also believe in educating and training our staff to enrich their lives and bring out the best in them. Even if they should leave, they will definitely be beter equipped in what they do or are going to do,” he tells Dealerfloor.

Wayne says within the Trust Auto Group, they have a fierce in-house competition and that Northcliff romped home last year with most of the important silverware for best dealership, top dealer principal, workshop and new car sales, an achievement he and his staff are very proud of.

He started at Suzuki Bryanston as DP in 2017 and then went over to Suzuki Northcliff after gaining experience in different capacities at various other brands and dealerships, including as DP at Le Roux Motors back in 2012.