Sought-after VW award goes to Kimberley

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.

At the VW Grand Prix Awards, Fred Whelpton (Director NTT Group) and Paul Kok (Dealer Principal NTT Volkswagen and Audi Kimberley).

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.

VW Grand Prix 2020 — Louie Barnes (General Manager NTT Volkswagen Group), Fred Whelpton (Director NTT Group) and Greg du Plessis (Financial Manager NTT Volkswagen Group) at the celebrations in Kimberley.

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.

VW Kimberley — More winners in Kimberley, Jaco van Heerden (Sales Executive of the Year (Category B Dealers), Paul Kok (Dealer of the Year), Tania van Dyk (Sales Manager of the Year - Category B Dealers) and Colette Ridgard (Service Manager of the Year - Category B Dealers).

“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.