The dealership is not even two years old and has already made waves by walking away with the silverware at the recent Stellantis Dealer of the Year awards.

Not only was it awarded the top Urban Dealer of the Year title as well as top podium positions in the Urban category as Parts Dealer and as Service Dealer, but it scooped up the much sought-after overall title as Stellantis South Africa’s Dealer of the Year.

“It came as a huge surprise, and we are honoured by the recognition for the effort we put in, not only last year, but also before that. We got a great team together and started building a brand in an area we have not been represented in before,” Ernest tells Dealerfloor.

Despite its relatively small team of eleven, Westvaal Paarl has achieved remarkable efficiency and customer satisfaction. "We are a relatively small team, but everyone wears different hats," Ernst explains. “This adaptability has allowed the team to overcome challenges, such as staff absences, while maintaining high service levels.

“Many of our team members have Stellantis back-grounds which helped a lot when we established the new dealership. I, personally, have been with another manufacturer in Paarl for many years before moving over to Westvaal. I was the Used Car Manager before being appointed as the DP and I still fulfil the role as Used Car Manager as well.”

Asked about the plan with the Stellantis brands in the Paarl region, Ernst tells us that Citroën will be added to their portfolio soon supplementing the existing offerings from Peugeot, Fiat, Opel and Jeep they currently have.

“We aim to increase the car parc, not only by selling more vehicles, but also getting existing one’s on the road and keeping them in our area. We are talking to a variety of institutions like panel beaters to provide spare parts quickly to get vehicles on the road. The bigger the car parc, the better for us in terms of providing services and building customer relations,” he tells Dealerfloor.

Asked what distinguished them to make them win the top title from Stellantis, Ernst says the staff members’ extensive capabilities, their skills and their belief system to walk a path with customers, are paying dividends across the business.

“We are also excited about the growing success of the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie range. The bakkie is now very competitively priced and is selling exceptionally well. In the near future, the bakkies will be produced locally in South Africa, and the addition of single cab variants will most certainly boost its acceptance in the competitive bakkie market,” Ernst says.

He says the Westvaal Motor Group, which proudly operates under the slogan "Travels the Road with You", has established itself as a dominant player in the South African automotive industry. With a footprint spanning six provinces and a legacy of 47 years, Westvaal has continually set the benchmark for excellence in vehicle sales, service and parts.

“The dealership’s rapid ascent to prominence is a testament to its dedication and exceptional service. Despite being relatively new in the market, Westvaal Paarl has quickly become a standout performer, reflecting the high standards and commitment that Westvaal Motor Group is known for.

Looking ahead, Ernest says he is optimistic about the growth potential of their brands in Paarl, which, even though it has a strong agricultural sector, also boasts growing in other economic sectors.