
Strong and consistent team effort, the way to the top
Firstly, all praise to the Almighty for bestowing his favours upon us without which none of this is possible.
- Dealer News
- 1 April 2025
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.
Firstly, all praise to the Almighty for bestowing his favours upon us without which none of this is possible.
A few small ideas to help you add to your bottom line and enhance your balance sheet:
Dealerfloor chats to Jaun Marais (photo), Operations Executive at the Hatfield Motor Group, about their recent expansion of GWM dealerships and his plans and passion for the Chinese brand, which has become a vital part of the group’s product offering and business success.