Mitsubishi Motors has expanded its footprint in Africa with the opening of a new dealership in the capital of Botswana.
The brand was previously represented in that country by a service centre, which has now become a full-fledged sales and service outlet for both new and used Mitsubishi vehicles.
“BB Motors, which is run by the Bhamjee family, approached Mitsubishi Motors South Africa – as the African representative of the brand – towards the end of 2020 for the rights to upgrade its existing Mitsubishi Motors Service Centre to a dealership,” explained Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
The new facility, known as Mitsubishi Motors Gaborone, is owned and managed by the BB Motors group and includes a showroom for new vehicle sales, as well as a comprehensive workshop.
The Bhamjee family, owners of BB Motors, has been in the motor industry for over 40 years, and Zain Bhamjee will take up the role as Dealer Principal.
“We believe in the importance of an honest relationship with our customers, and it is on this belief that we have built our brand. We will always be open and honest about our products and services,” Bhamjee commented.
The team is extremely excited about the new dealership after gaining valuable experience running the service centre over the past few years. “We are proud to be able to offer all new models – from the Eclipse Cross, ASX and Outlander to the Triton and Pajero Sport to customers in Botswana,” boasted Sales Manager, Nelson Moremedi. “We are confident that we will sell four or more new vehicles a month from the start and will offer a wide range of used Mitsubishi vehicles as well.”
According to Campbell, MMSA does not have a share in the Botswana dealership: “MMSA has 58 dealerships and service centres in Southern Africa and assists with dealerships or service centres in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. Lesotho is served by the Ladybrand branch. We are also represented in Malawi and Zambia.”
MMSA also operates a Mitsubishi service centre, Mitsubishi Motors Molapo, in Tlokweng Road, Gaborone. This means that Mitsubishi owners and prospective buyers now have access to almost 60 dealers and service centres across Southern Africa.
Renault Group says it will change the way it accounts for its stake in its alliance partner for 20 years, Nissan, after earlier reports that the French automaker’s share price could take a hit.
It is believed that Nissan Motor has asked some suppliers to allow it to delay payments to free up short-term funds as the troubled Japanese automaker scrambles to boost cash.
Absa has taken another step towards becoming the bank of the auto industry by signing a formal collaboration agreement with the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
One of the topics that comes up often when I write articles is “waste” within a dealership. Quite often, expenses are cut when times are challenging but often, waste is confused with expenditure.
The story of Gabisile Fakude will surely be an inspiration for many who have an eye on the automotive industry as a career, especially for those who have not traditionally been associated with this world as a career path.
Suzuki Kenilworth in Cape Town claimed top honours for the second year running at the annual Suzuki Dealer Conference and Awards.
