So says Lynnette Labuschagne, Training Sales and Coordination Manager for MSX International in South Africa.

"We invited dealer groups and independent dealers to send their staff on these courses, which will equip them with all the management and leadership skills required across the different departments of a dealership," she tells Dealerfloor.

"We are also having conversations with OEMs where courses could be tailored to specific needs. The importance of face-to-face training, which includes theoretical as well as practical experience, remains the basis of our programmes stretching over different modules," Lynnette says.

"The programme normally kicks off in the second week of the month so that it won’t clash with month-end activities. We are preparing to start the next course on 9 February next year with a minimum requirement of ten attendees." Lynnette says that since 2007, 39 programmes have been completed in full, with 390 participants having received their certificates.

According to MSX International's programme overview, it represents a comprehensive approach to developing future dealership leaders in the automotive retail sector. Successfully managing a dealership is a complex task that requires balancing multiple departments, achieving high customer satisfaction, meeting manufacturer requirements and producing fair returns for shareholders whilst remaining competitive.

The programme addresses these challenges through 150 hours of intensive management tuition delivered over 20 days across approximately 10 months. The sessions are facilitated by leading industry and subject matter experts.

Lynnette says the programme has been designed for individuals with reasonable automotive retail experience, particularly in departmental management, as well as those identified as future general managers and dealer principals.

Current dealer principals seeking to further develop their skills and individuals showing potential for in-depth industry understanding will all benefit from this opportunity.”

"ADM is a specialised program focusing on Automotive Retail Management training, founded by Paddy O'Brien in 2007. This exclusive Sewells Group / MSX program remains a global leader in its field, offering bespoke training to management personnel seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers," according to MSX International.

• In terms of structure, the ADM journey begins with Strategy, Planning and Financial Performance, introducing participants to leadership styles, financial statements and strategic models.
• Module 2 focuses on building High Performance Teams through intermediate financial analysis, recruitment techniques, performance management and change management implementation.
• The third module examines Finance and Operations Management, covering both variable operations for new and used vehicles and fixed operations for service and parts departments.
• Module 4 explores Marketing the Customer Experience and Brand, including digital marketing applications and customer loyalty strategies, whilst also incorporating dealer visits for in-depth operational reviews.
• The programme culminates in Module 5 with Business Improvement, where participants examine international best practice, develop emotional intelligence skills and present their final business plan to an MSX panel.

Participants must complete assignments for each module, with one resubmission opportunity available following facilitator consultation. The final assignment requires developing a business improvement plan applicable to their own dealership environment.

The Departmental Leadership Programme (DLP) offers a more focused approach for current and future departmental managers. Available in both an 8-day standard format and a 12-day advanced version, the programme introduces core knowledge in dealer operations, strategy, finance, human resources, leadership and marketing.

The advanced programme features seven customisable modules, each spanning two days, covering everything from analytical finance and visionary leadership to sales operations, after-sales operations and risk management.

“The ADM and DLP programs together create a pathway for leadership excellence, ADM guiding advanced dealership leaders to thrive in a changing market and DLP empowering departmental leaders to strengthen operations and drive results.”

“Shape tomorrow’s success by advancing with ADM or growing through DLP,” Lynnette concludes.

• For more information: Lynnette Labuschagne +27 82 997 2375 or at lynnette.labuschagne@msxi.com