For the second time in the history of Volkswagen’s Grand Prix Awards, the ceremony, which was themed ‘Drive Your Future’, was streamed on a virtual platform owing to COVID-19 safety regulations.
Paul Kok from Volkswagen Kimberley won one of the most sought-after awards of the night, the Dealer of the Year Award. The Dealer of the Year Award is presented to the Volkswagen Dealership that delivers the best overall results across various disciplines of the business, on a consistent basis, whilst representing the Volkswagen brand values at the highest level. Dealerfloor
recently had an interview with Paul Kok, Dealer Principal at VW Kimberley, on his management style and broader view of the market.
Paul told Dealerfloor after the awards ceremony that this achievement is a result of a team effort. “This is what happens when everyone puts in100%. Add to that the leadership and investment of the owner of the NTT group, Fred Whelpton, and you have a winning recipe,” says Paul.
During the ceremony, 17 award categories and a total of 86 winners were awarded. The two most prestigious awards at the annual ceremony are the Micro Group and Macro Group of the Year. Louie Barnes from NTT Group won the Micro Group of the Year. To qualify as a Micro Group, the group needs a minimum of two dealerships that contribute at least 2% towards the Volkswagen Dealer Sales result.
Chris Beukes and Brad Kaftel from Hatfield Group won the Macro Group of the Year for the fourth consecutive time. To qualify as a Macro Group, the group needs to contribute at least 8% towards the Volkswagen Dealer Sales result.
A special recognition award was also handed out at the annual ceremony. Anton Kruger, a Senior Sales Manager from Barons Woodmead, won the Volkswagen Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kruger has a long list of remarkable achievements with the Volkswagen Brand. Between 2001 and 2020, he was in the top 10 of the best performing Sales Executives. He was also the top Volkswagen Sales Executive in South Africa six times in a row - from 2009 to 2014.
In that period alone, he also sold 1 954 new Volkswagen vehicles, which is 325 vehicles a year or 27 sales a month. Sadly, Anton Kruger passed on last year and his Lifetime Achievement Award was received by his wife.
“The dealer network is an integral part of Volkswagen’s business. Our 109-strong dealer network recorded a market share of 19% in 2020 and accounted for over 75% of Volkswagen’s total sales. I am proud of our dealers’ contribution and steadfast loyalty in growing the Volkswagen Brand in South Africa,” said Steffen Knapp, the Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand.
Supergroup Dealerships announced the upcoming launch of four new MG dealerships as part of its growing portfolio. The new locations that are set to open soon, include three on the East Rand, one in Rustenburg and one in Paarl, Western Cape.
The highly anticipated F&I Industry Awards 2024, which were held recently, showcased the pinnacle of excellence and innovation in the automotive financial and insurance sector.
In a groundbreaking move towards offering a comprehensive, one-stop integrated service to its customers, Absa has introduced an integrated Finance & Insurance solution for dealer partners across South Africa. This innovative initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing customer experience and streamlining financial services.
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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
Supergroup Dealerships announced the upcoming launch of four new MG dealerships as part of its growing portfolio. The new locations that are set to open soon, include three on the East Rand, one in Rustenburg and one in Paarl, Western Cape.
The Nissan Magnite seems to have captured the imagination of traditional as well as new buyers of the brand. With an updated Magnite recently launched and arriving at dealerships currently, there is good interest from prospective buyers of small Crossovers with a strong SUV character.
As 2024 draws to a close, I think it is pertinent to look back at some of the articles that I have written this year. I always try to concentrate on the basics and very often they are the areas of a dealership that need continuous and regular focus.
