“My guiding principle has always been ‘Right People, Right Processes’, ensuring optimal performance at every level within the dealership. Establishing strong relationships with VWSA's leadership team and nurturing partnerships with them, have played an important role to our success.”
So says Gavin le Roux, Dealer Principal at VW Hatfield Braamfontein, who was awarded the manufacturer’s top title as Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for 2022.
Born and raised in Uitenhage, now Kariega, Gavin’s journey with Volkswagen started at the factory for a period of five years. “With a strong family connection to Volkswagen spanning decades, the brand's legacy runs deep in my veins. In total, I have thus far spent 22 years under the Volkswagen umbrella.”
He says they are ecstatic about the top spot at Dealer of the Year 2022 in a very competitive market and considering the location of Braamfontein, could bring some negative perceptions to mind.
“But that is just that. Perceptions. Over the years, significant progress has been made in the region, including introducing enhanced security measures and the expansion of businesses and infostructure, which form the foundation of this area's growth,” Gavin tells Dealerfloor.
“If we could win the top title and you look at our growth, it is testimony to what can be achieved. We play a part in the upkeep of our area as it is our business community. I firmly believe that placing customers at the forefront is paramount, as understanding their needs is the cornerstone of acquiring and retaining new clients,” says Gavin.
Success for both Gavin and VW Braamfontein seem to go hand in hand. Not only is it the fourth time (also twice before his role as Dealer Principal) that Braamfontein has won the silverware as top VW dealership in the country, but as a seasoned Parts Manager then, he brought home numerous titles to the dealerships he has been part of.
On the previous occasion in 2018, when the dealership won the Dealer of the Year title, Gavin had been in his role as Dealer Principal for only two and a half years. Since he joined the Braamfontein dealership as Parts Manager in 2008, he has won the Parts Manager of the Year title, no less than six times (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016), and when he first won in 2006 while he was the Parts Manager at VW Melrose Arch.
Asked about his success, especially in the parts department, Gavin says you have to go out and find buyers. “It is not just a question of sitting and waiting for buyers to come to you. You need to get out there and find new business, like repair centres and panel beaters to increase your sales volumes.”
Besides the mentioned awards, Gavin received top recognition from the VW stable with numerous VW Club of Excellence awards (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and now again for 2022). Another award he is extremely proud of, is the Golden Pin, which he received from Volkswagen Germany in 2018 and also an Absa Golden Partner award.
Gavin says that as Dealer Principal, he is thankful for his ability to pay attention to detail and to prioritise and delegate tasks efficiently, even under pressure.
“With a wealth of experience, industry expertise and an unyielding dedication to customer satisfaction, I am ready to make a positive impact and drive success in my next endeavour. I deeply honour the role of God in my achievements,” Gavin concludes.
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The highly anticipated F&I Industry Awards 2024, which were held recently, showcased the pinnacle of excellence and innovation in the automotive financial and insurance sector.
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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.
