Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
The operational side of motor dealerships has intrigued me since I first joined the motor industry in 1988. I have invested loads of energy, time and passion in dealership operational efficiency, and it certainly paid substantial dividends over the years.
New vehicle sales have always been the yardstick for determining success in the retail motor industry. Market share and new vehicle sales volumes have always enjoyed priority when rating Dealer Principals’ performance. There are other measurements like CSI that have been included in various ways, but the gateway has always been new vehicle volumes and market share.
Whilst achieving sales targets and market share are very important, a balanced business is far more important than simply achieving new vehicle sales targets. A balanced dealership will maximise the potential from new vehicles, used vehicles, parts, service and “admin”. A balanced business will have tight asset controls, cash-flow management and a happy and productive staff complement. In terms of a business, a dealership is “four businesses in one” and that is what makes it so fascinating, challenging and rewarding.
Dealerfloor (dealerfloor.co.za) and I will be publishing regular articles on dealership efficiency. The articles will cover various topics that focus on ideas and suggestions which, if applied, should improve the efficiency and balance of your dealership. I am not sure that my facts are correct, but I think it was Raymond Ackerman (founder of Pick n Pay) that who that “Retail is detail”. In a low-margin, asset-intensive business, paying attention to detail is critical and is the difference between success and failure.
To show the importance of detail, here is a simple example:
If a dealership’s return on sales (ROS) is 2%, it means that the cost of sale and overheads is 98% of turnover. Reducing the cost of sale and overheads by 2% will essentially double the ROS. If your dealership’s turnover is R100 million, it means making R4 million versus R2 million. Finding that 2% is easier said than done and it is made up of fractions of a percent from various parts of the business.
I am really looking forward to sharing ideas with you. Join the conversation by sending a WhatsApp to 082-776-1887 to be added to our group.
- Donald Christy.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
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I always do like seeing other people dance in their cars. It's one of the things that makes me happy.
Ariel Gore
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
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.
Stellantis has announced the expansion of its multi-franchise dealer network with the addition of the Fiat and Jeep brands to the existing Westvaal Motor Group dealership in Klerksdorp in North West Province.