"I can still remember back in the days when one of the worst experiences was to take your vehicle for a service. I was 18 years old and getting up early, waiting in queues and being exposed to the elements became a “outing” I dreaded."
That outcome and the fact that they required a totally different experience were what was really needed, stuck with Imtiaz Laher, owner and Dealer Principal of Freeway Toyota in Ormonde, Johannesburg.
Over the years, he always aimed to give a better service at his family-owned dealership, but his dream was to have a dealership that stood out from the rest in every aspect of the business.
After visits to the USA and Middle Eastern Toyota dealerships, where mega facilities offering different customer comforts are well-known, he knew exactly what he had to do, he tells Dealerfloor.
Freeway Toyota now
“The project to make Freeway Toyota one of a kind in South Africa began in all earnest about a year and a half ago. Not only did we triple the size of our premises, but we totally transformed the facility and what we had to offer,” he tells us.
“In a pioneering move for the South African automotive industry, Freeway Toyota has launched the country's first original online parts store. Customers can easily purchase online with quick and convenient delivery nationwide.
“The new pre-owned inventory of 150 vehicles caters to a wide range of price categories.
“At the heart of the new offerings is an ultra-luxury restaurant, equipped with Wi-Fi and power points, providing a comfortable and luxurious environment for customers. Clients can book a 60-minute express service and enjoy a complimentary waffle and coffee while they wait, making vehicle maintenance a pleasant and convenient experience.
Freeway Toyota then
“The restaurant will also be open over weekends, allowing visitors to indulge in culinary delights while exploring and purchasing their next dream vehicle. The restaurant, YML, is the initials of his father who passed away last year,” Imtiaz says.
Freeway Toyota is still a family-owned Toyota dealership established in 1982 with the Laher-family buying the dealership in 1997.
He says this expansion extends Freeway Toyota's commitment to high volume and fair profits, a principle that has defined their outlook on vehicle sales.
“This innovation aims to transform the often stressful experience of vehicle servicing. Customers can now enjoy a seamless service booking process and benefit from a host of new amenities designed to enhance their visit,” he concludes.
Located near Gold Reef City, Freeway Toyota continues to set new standards in the automotive industry with these exciting developments. The dealership invites everyone to experience the future of automotive service and sales.
Freeway Toyota YML Eatery
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You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
Supergroup Dealerships announced the upcoming launch of four new MG dealerships as part of its growing portfolio. The new locations that are set to open soon, include three on the East Rand, one in Rustenburg and one in Paarl, Western Cape.
The Nissan Magnite seems to have captured the imagination of traditional as well as new buyers of the brand. With an updated Magnite recently launched and arriving at dealerships currently, there is good interest from prospective buyers of small Crossovers with a strong SUV character.
As 2024 draws to a close, I think it is pertinent to look back at some of the articles that I have written this year. I always try to concentrate on the basics and very often they are the areas of a dealership that need continuous and regular focus.
