New Geely dealership brings EV excitement to the East…

Derek Curtis, is the new Dealer Principal, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience across multiple brands, now steering a multi‑franchise operation that includes Geely and Foton under the Super Group umbrella in Springs.

“I started as a Dealer Principal back in 2013 and over the years running several dealerships, including Hyundai and Mazda. In December 2022, I joined Super Group, beginning with Mazda before moving across to Geely in Boksburg and now Springs. It’s been a journey, but one that’s given me extensive experience across brands,” Derek tells Dealerfloor.

The Springs dealership opened three months ago, with Geely officially launched at the beginning of this month. Derek explains: “We have the full Geely and Foton range available as well as a large pre-owned department. The smaller electric vehicles (EVs), the E2s, are taking off like you cannot believe. There is even a waiting list.” Demand for the Geely E2 is massive and many clients that come to view the E2 end up taking the E5 .

The model line‑up is expanding rapidly. “We have the Coolray, a 1.5 turbo petrol crossover, the E5 range with fully electric, and hybrid versions. We are very excited about the new Ridarra, a fully electric bakkie, that will join the line-up and around August. It is the same size as a double cab, and it does 0 to 100 in 4.5 seconds, crazy numbers. Geely are bringing so many new models into the market by the end of next year.”

Preparing for this new era has required significant investment. Derek tells Dealerfloor. “We have just spent a large amount on special tools and equipment to set up the EV workshop. It is expensive, but that is the way forward. You need rubber mats, special gloves, static‑safe floors, and computerised systems. It is a big investment, but it is the future.”

He says they have also secured a fully qualified electric technician with Volvo experience, supported by Geely’s ongoing training programmes. “It creates opportunities for people,” Derek adds.

The dealership employs fifteen staff, with three dedicated Geely salespeople and a sales manager. “You have got to know what you are selling. EVs and hybrids are different, so we have dedicated people focused purely on Geely,” he says. This ensures customers receive expert guidance, whether they are considering the entry‑level E2, a hybrid or the forthcoming Ridarra bakkie.

His outlook on the future of motoring is clear. “EV vehicles are the way forward; there’s a big demand for hybrids because of the range. You get up to 1 000 kilometres, 105 kilometres on EV power and the balance on hybrid.

More vehicle manufacturers are investing in hybrid and electric vehicles. I believe regulations will eventually push petrol taxes higher. This will make an even stronger demand for electric vehicles in the future,” he tells us.

His commitment to Geely’s expanding range and his investment in EV infrastructure highlight a strong belief in the brand and in South Africa’s automotive transition.

“Any new brand has challenges, but the sales will make up for it. I’m not worried. This is the future, and we are ready for it,” he concludes.