Having good products at competitive prices at the entry side of the new-vehicle market is half the battle won. The other part is getting enough stock.
“Despite the stock dilemma facing us and every car dealer the world over, we are doing well, despite the unusual circumstances we find ourselves in,” says Peet van Staden, Manager at Brits Renault.
“With products like the new Kiger, Triber and Kwid we attract a lot of first-time car buyers. Our Duster also remains a favourite with buyers. With the arrival in the near future of vehicles like the new Clio and Captur, our offering in more segments will be even stronger,” Peet tells Dealerfloor.
“With a large number of first-time vehicle owners, customer retention is a serious and crucial part of our business. The key to customer retention is first-class service in all aspects of the buying and after-sales experience for new-vehicle owners.
“In this regard, our sales staff assist with the booking in of vehicles for services and maintenance to keep the contact with the customer constant. Especially with first-time buyers, who make up to about 70% of buyers at the entry-level side, this creates peace of mind for customers and forms the basis for a long and profitable relationship.
“We make every effort to retain customers for our after-sales department when the warranty and service or maintenance plans have expired. With regular advertisements, a favourable pricing structure, we communicate the advantages of servicing with us via SMS and social media to Renault owners. Our workshop is busy and booked out in advance, which is a good sign for business.
“As a dealership, we are categorised as Small, but one never knows what the future holds and the possibility of being classified as a Medium dealership is a goal we strive for. We are doing all the right things and growing the business, which will earn us recognition as one of the top dealership for the brand,” he says.
“On the used side, we share it with a sister dealership in our group and although the same problems in terms of stock shortages are also a dominant factor in the used car business, we are doing well,” Peet tells Dealerfloor.
And what does the future hold? “I think the situation will improve next year. No-one can say for certain when things will change, but all players in the business have by now learnt how to adapt and accommodate the changed environment in which we have to sell cars,” Peet concludes.
Chinese EV newcomer iCAUR is putting its promise of personalisation to the test in South Africa, with the brand now using an influencer-led design competition to show local buyers just how far they can tailor their vehicles to suit their own tastes.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is set to make history with a series of Guinness World Records attempts, bringing Hilux owners together from across the country in a bold, large-scale celebration of the all-new 9th generation Toyota Hilux.
To be named the overall Hyundai Dealer of the Year is not something that simply happens. It is the result of hard work, dedication, looking after your staff and customers, and maintaining a clear focus on your goal. That goal is to be the best.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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To be named the overall Hyundai Dealer of the Year is not something that simply happens. It is the result of hard work, dedication, looking after your staff and customers, and maintaining a clear focus on your goal. That goal is to be the best.
GWM South Africa hosted its annual Dealer Conference and Dealer of the Year Awards, bringing together its national dealer network of over 100 dealerships to review performance, align on strategic priorities, and recognise outstanding achievement across the business.
LDV South Africa recently hosted its dealer conference, with representation from dealerships across the country. Among those present was Joy Zhu, Africa Regional Director for SAIC Motor International, reinforcing the brand’s global backing and commitment to growth in South Africa.
