F&I training needs a rethink, dealerships are catching on
The F&I office has always been a key part of the dealership experience, but recently, it has become one of the most pressured and misunderstood roles on the floor.
- Industry News
- 5 June 2025
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently hosted its annual National Dealer of the Year Awards. The pivotal event marked 45 years of market leadership – a celebration of dedication and resilience of a successful partnership with the Toyota dealer network.
This Western Cape Toyota dealership is a family-driven business that delivers exceptional performance in sales, service, guest experience and brand leadership.
From the showroom to the service bay, every touchpoint at SMG Lexus Umhlanga reflects elegance, precision and an unwavering commitment to the extraordinary – values that define the Lexus experience.
Hino Kuilsrivier has gone above and beyond, delivering not only exceptional performance across every metric, but also embodying the Hino spirit of resilience, precision and pride in every interaction.
As an independent dealer, Upington Toyota lives the Toyota spirit each day: dependable, service-driven and guided by purpose.
Chairman Achievement Award: Riël Gresse.
His inspiring leadership has empowered his team to flourish – fostering a culture of collaboration, growth and outstanding customer service. The award celebrates not only his remarkable achievements and lasting contributions but also the exemplary passion displayed while serving as the Chairperson of the National Dealer Council.
President’s Award, Small: Riversdal Toyota.
As a family-owned business with the 2nd generation at the helm, Riversdal Toyota has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to upholding the values that make Toyota a trusted name.
President’s Award, Medium: Halfway Toyota Howick.
Halfway Toyota Howick’s implementation of a strong business plan has driven sustainable growth and operational success, leading them to exceed their targets in sales by 114% and parts by 122%, respectively.
President’s Award, Medium: Carnival Toyota.
Carnival Toyota produced one of the most consistent performances month-after-month and achieved this consistency through committed and focused leadership. This effort ensured that they achieved Lighthouse status for both Sales and Service.
President’s Award, Mega: SMG Toyota Hillcrest.
Despite operating in a highly competitive and volume-driven market, SMG Toyota Hillcrest has achieved remarkable achievements in New Vehicle, Automark and staff engagement, including Lighthouse status for Parts and Service.
President Divisional Award: Warren Demmer, SMG.
Warren Demmer is a true definition of the leadership of tomorrow. With a clear vision, Demmer has orchestrated success across multiple dealerships, ensuring that performance, people and passion are aligned at every level.
President’s Group MD Award: Anton Labuschagne, NTT Group.
Anton Labuschagne’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and forward-focused strategic brilliance across the board have ensured that every single dealer in the group has not just met but exceeded all expectations.
“The 2024 Toyota Dealer of the Year Awards have been a testament of great passion, consistency, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to excellence by our Dealer Partners over the years. It has not been an easy feat for Toyota South Africa Motors to maintain a 45-year market leadership. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our dealer network. As we look ahead, we are confident that we will continue to maintain the momentum. Congratulations to everyone,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, Leon Theron.
The F&I office has always been a key part of the dealership experience, but recently, it has become one of the most pressured and misunderstood roles on the floor.
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I always do like seeing other people dance in their cars. It's one of the things that makes me happy.
Ariel Gore
Renault South Africa recently held its annual Dealer of the Year Awards, acknowledging great performance to the brand within the 80-strong Renault Dealer network.
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Whether you are an owner or your dealership is owned by a corporate, it always has a value. In broad terms, this value is made up of two parts. The first is the net asset value of the dealership and the second is the goodwill of the dealership. It is on this basis that most motor dealerships are bought or sold.