IC Auto Nissan Clearwater scoops up silverware

So says Gavin Roos, Dealer Principal at IC Auto Nissan Clearwater, which scooped up the much sought-after Nissan Dealer of the Year title at the manufacture’s Ignition Awards ceremony, competing against 117 other Nissan dealerships.

IC Auto Nissan is part of the CFAO Mobility group, which took the top price as the Group Dealer of the Year at the Ignition Awards.

“To get the top award takes a lot. First of all, it is a team effort. In this regard, I am privileged to be surrounded by an excellent team where all members know their responsibility. This is true for everyone, from the staff in the washing bay to the management team. To take the title as the top dealer means every department across the dealership must function at optimal capacity.

“A second, and most important aspect is the support and leadership from our owners, CFAO Mobility. You can describe it as a network of partners not only ready to assist, but leading from the front.

“I am also very proud of our new premises here in Little Falls, Roodepoort,” Gavin tells Dealerfloor. He says they moved into the new building on the 1^st of April and form a multi-franchise unit with Renault. Also on the premises, is CFAO Mobility’s new BMW and Toyota dealerships.

“Our facility is brand-new, state of the art and an easy place to do business. We serve a large part of the West Rand with Roodepoort as our main centre of attention. The majority of business comes from our area, which augurs well for the after-sales department in terms of retaining customers that we sell to, as clients.”

Gavin says the Navara is a huge success in their area, and they also service a couple of fleets with mainly NP200 bakkies. With the demise of the NP300 and the NP200 nearing the end of its life cycle, their focus is already shifting to the Navara single cab workhorse models.

Another good seller for any Nissan dealership is the Magnite, says Gavin. “With good deals now on the new Qashqai and X-Trail, we see the ranges getting off the mark. “These two Nissan brands are now premium brands right up there with the very best in their class. As buyers begin to understand this and see what the range offers, obviously connected to a competitive price, the sales volumes will grow.”

He says his team and the dealerships’ competitive edge will be in an even better position now operating out of the new facility.

Gavin has been DP at the dealership for the last three and a half years and has been DP at Nissan in Kempton Park for three years where he also spent three years as the Service Manager.