DFSK marks World LPG Autogas Day with focus on running costs
As fuel prices and operating expenses continue to challenge South African businesses, alternative energy solutions are receiving greater attention.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 15 October 2026
The Rola Volvo franchise in Helderberg has implemented its global parent company’s practice of assigning every Volvo owner his or her own Personal Service Technician (PST).
The PST programme combines the roles of service advisor and technician, giving all customers a single name and number to contact with regard to their vehicles’ services.
Says Rola Volvo brand manager, Ryan Chapman: “The cornerstone of this human-centric approach is customers’ very own Personal Service Technician, who’ll take care of everything to do with their car – from booking appointments to carrying out the service.
“And, as customers will deal with the same technician each time, they get to know the technician as well as they know their car. So, no misunderstandings.”
In Somerset West, the PST service has been combined with Volvo’s quick turnaround services. This means a customer can book his/her car, enjoy a coffee and free Wi-Fi and have it returned and ready in as little as an hour.
Two of the secrets behind this service is the way that service personnel work in teams, with different members responsible for different parts of the vehicle service. Rola Volvo also staggers service bookings to allow for PSTs to carry out each client’s welcome and final vehicle delivery, while giving clients an opportunity to fit their service into their busy schedule.
Chapman says before COVID-19, clients were invited to walk around in the workshop as part of the commitment to transparency, open communication and building lasting relationships with your PST.
“The technicians needed a bit of training in the beginning and have to be accredited each year, so it takes a lot of effort from our side. Rola Volvo has been doing it for around five years and the system works really well.”
Rola Volvo was crowned Dealer of the Year in 2018 and has been in the top three recently for both sales and – more importantly – after-sales.
As fuel prices and operating expenses continue to challenge South African businesses, alternative energy solutions are receiving greater attention.
Honda has expanded its local SUV line-up with the introduction of the CR-V RS e:HEV AWD. The newcomer brings hybrid power to the CR-V range while adding updated styling, additional technology and a revised cabin layout.
South African Auto Week 2026 opened in Durban on Tuesday, 13 October, with transformation and skills development among the key issues for the automotive industry, highlighted by an Absa Group investment of R13.5 million in the Automotive Business Council | naamsa’s Dreams Academy.
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