Your next car deal could come with an AI upgrade you’ll appreciate
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a vital role for customers to make the right choice when hunting for a pre-owned vehicle.
- Industry News
- 5 November 2026
Call it a job well done or maybe more of a masterclass performance. This is some of the ways to describe CMH Honda Hatfield’s recently winning the overall Honda Dealer of the Year award.
Not only did Honda Hatfield win the top accolade as well as the Category B title, but it out-sold all other Honda dealers in the country in terms of the number of units over the last financial year.
In fact, it sold more units than larger dealerships in other categories and accounted for roughly 10% of all Honda sales in South Africa.
“We are proud and privileged for this recognition as it shows what hard work, dedication, planning and skilful and motivated staff can achieve. We really rolled up our sleeves and made sure that across all aspects of the business, we delivered more than what was expected,” Francois Robbertse (main photo), Dealer Principal at Honda Hatfield, tells Dealerfloor.
“In today’s challenging business conditions, fierce competition from a number of new brands entering the market and stock issues with certain models, we still managed to do exceptionally well. We are competing in a difficult section of the market that has a number of serious competitors, and from a price point of view, it is also challenging.
“Our approach to render the best service possible across the spectrum from selling to after-sales and service yielded positive results for us with good customer retention and the adding of new customers to the brand and to our dealership,” Francois says.
Asked about the challenges the brand faces with sales volumes compared to competitors, Francois tells Dealerfloor that more price sensitive products in other market segments would be welcome, but they play as best as they can with the hand they are dealt. “There is always something new on the horizon, and the quality of our product and service is what we rely on,” he says.
Francois, who has been at the dealership for five years, says he believes good relationships across the spectrum, from his staff, customers to the relevant OEM are the foundation of success. “I am a firm believer in doing it and doing it now. No reason to wait or sit around. Get on and get the job done now. The results will follow,” he concludes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a vital role for customers to make the right choice when hunting for a pre-owned vehicle.
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
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