For the sportier or racing customers out there, the good news is that the first Toyota Gazoo Racing dealership has opened its doors.
Toyota South Africa Motors, in partnership with its dealer network, announced first of its kind Gazoo Racing Dealer Zone, located at Motus Toyota Bedfordview in Gauteng.
This pilot programme aims to bring the “world of GR” to fans’ backyard and build on the racing success achieved by Toyota Gazoo Racing on a global scale in formulas such as Rally Raid, Dakar, WRC, WEC, GTC and local Rally championships.
The aim is to continue to grow GR as an iconic, global performance brand and provide customers with a tailored performance motoring experience. The GR Zone concept follows on the GR HQ building at Zwartkops Raceway as part of the ever-expanding GR portfolio in South Africa.
Utilising bespoke shop fitment, merchandise area, digital features and a race-like environment, the GR Zone will be the one-stop-shop for motoring enthusiasts to come and experience the GR Brand in their community.
The GR Zone will be easily identifiable through bespoke external signage that will appeal to passers-by and signal the dealership’s GR credentials.
It will feature state-of-the-art technology that takes advantage of the broadening GR and GR Sport product offerings and provides an interactive space where guests can engage with the GR product line and brand.
At present, the GR product line-up consists of three bespoke GR models (GR86, GR Supra and GR Yaris) and three GR Sport models (Corolla Cross GR-S, Hilux GR-S and Land Cruiser 300 GR-S). The exhilarating GR Corolla with 221 kW pumping from its three cylinder-engine, is due to make its local debut later this month, which will give fans a total of seven GR models to choose from.
Fundamentally, the GR Zone will also host specially trained technical and sales personnel to support guests interacting with the brand for the first time.
The first GR Zone dealership opened on 6 May at Motus Bedfordview with a fun-filled day for petrolheads. A variety of GR models were on display alongside official TGR race machinery, as well as 86 and GR Supra car clubs, plus more.
More points are being considered across the country and neighbouring TSAM-affiliated markets. This will be an exclusive opportunity and limited to a select few dealers who are strategically located to grow the GR Brand.
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You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
One of the topics that comes up often when I write articles is “waste” within a dealership. Quite often, expenses are cut when times are challenging but often, waste is confused with expenditure.
The story of Gabisile Fakude will surely be an inspiration for many who have an eye on the automotive industry as a career, especially for those who have not traditionally been associated with this world as a career path.
Suzuki Kenilworth in Cape Town claimed top honours for the second year running at the annual Suzuki Dealer Conference and Awards.
