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
Toyota South Africa Motors showcased the accomplishments of its dealer network at the 2023 Dealer of the Year Awards.
Held at Sandton Convention Centre, the annual gala event shines a spotlight on the top dealers’ unwavering commitment to excellence and outstanding contributions to the Toyota, Lexus and Hino brands, while emphasising their steadfast dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction.
Under the stewardship of Jonathan Stephenson, Oranje Toyota Bloemfontein took home the coveted Toyota Dealer of the Year award. With a leadership style characterised by dedication to staff development and an unyielding passion for the Toyota brand, Stephenson and his team consistently surpassed customer expectations, solidifying their status as the epitome of service excellence within the Toyota network.
Embodying the spirit of "Experience Amazing", Lexus Fourways, led by the visionary Chris Jones, snapped up the Lexus Dealer of the Year Award for the fourth time since his tenure at the luxury experience centre.
Navigating challenging conditions in the premium market, Lexus Fourways not only defied industry trends but achieved an impressive 30% growth in new vehicle sales. Their commitment to the Lexus Brand philosophy is evident in a pre-owned to new vehicle sales ratio surpassing 1.7 to 1, accompanied by substantial increases in service-centre turnover and parts purchases.
Breaking ground as the 2023 Hino Dealer of the Year with Brandon Wegner at the helm, Hino Tshwane, clinched the title for the first time.
Their commitment to perfection and to a desire to challenge the status quo is reflected in their exceptional scores across Sales, Parts and Service targets. A remarkable overall Customer Experience (CE) score above 99.6%, coupled with triumph in the sales marketing category, underscores Hino Tshwane's dedication to total customer satisfaction.
Honouring independent dealers, the Independent Dealer of the Year Award, the first of its kind and of immense significance for Toyota South Africa Motors, reflects the core values that underpin the auto manufacturer’s long-standing heritage and commitment to mutual success. Captained by Kobus Louwrens, Riversdal Toyota, was recognised as the inaugural recipient of this award.
Having faced challenges head-on, including initial setbacks and market limitations, Riversdal Toyota emerged victorious. Their resilience, strong leadership and resolute focus on customer care positioned them as paragons of excellence in both sales and after-sales service.
“In extending our heartfelt congratulations, we commend these outstanding winners for their exceptional performance and dedication to the Toyota, Lexus and Hino brands. These dealers exemplify the spirit of resilience, uniqueness and excellence, propelling us toward a prosperous future together, says Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors.
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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A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
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.