A belief system of integrity and making a positive difference in people’s lives, is the driving force behind the King Cars Group, with used-car dealerships in Cape Town and Gqeberha.
At the helm of King Cars is Pierre Potgieter (main photo), shareholder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group’s three dealerships in Cape Town, two dealerships in Gqeberha with another one opening its doors soon in the Eastern Cape city.
Chatting to Pierre quickly reveals his strong passion for the blessings they receive creating a culture of solid values and fortune. “King Cars was founded in 1995 by my business partner, Jacques du Plessis, and the name King Cars refers to our Creator,” he tells Dealerfloor. (Jacques is the youngest brother of former Springbok rugby players, Carel, Michael and Willie du Plessis.)
“To focus on generating money only, is not our aim. The way we conduct business is testament to what we believe, and the results speak for themselves. It is not a cliché to says our customers become our friends. Our repeat business is close to 75% and that in itself tells a story of our commitment to service excellence and the way we conduct business,” says Pierre.
“Our commitment in making a difference in our personal and our communities’ lives is well-known and forms a large part of our business success. We serve a broad spectrum of schools in our community, organisations and institutions with assistance and involvement in various ways.
“When it comes to the vehicles we sell, we want to make sure that all our customers are satisfied and more importantly, remain satisfied. We hold our own regulated FSP licence, which ensures our customers get sound financial advice as well as fair treatment when it comes to vehicle finance and dealings with the financial institutions.
“We also have our own mechanical warranties via the cell-captive system in conjunction with a large warranty administrator and insurance underwriter. This puts the emphasis on us to ensure a vehicle is in tip top condition when it’s delivered,” he tells Dealerfloor.
Asked about his career in the automotive industry, Pierre, an accountant by trade, says the vehicle industry has always been his passion.
His career started at SARS in 1987 as a graduate from Stellenbosch University in audit and company tax. He continued his studies, specialised in income tax and in 1992 joined the motor industry on the accounting and thereafter on the retail side. Here he served in various senior capacities at dealerships extending his skill set across the spectrum.
He first met Jacques in 2013, and in 2014 he joined him as a business partner. It is a relationship he says he treasures as they share the same values.
“There is much more to selling and buying a vehicle for that matter than just a good price and mileage. The true value is in supporting and enriching our customers’ lives through trustworthy transactions with a first-class service,” Pierre concludes.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
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