The new dealership is located in the student town of Potchefstroom and brings the number of Suzuki dealerships under the Penta banner countrywide to seven.

Japie Bester, Regional Director of the Penta Motor Group for North West, says the new dealership will not only bring a new level of service and conveniance to customers in Potchefstroom, but it will also create a reach for the brand up to places like Ventersdorp, Carletonville and Parys.

“With Suzuki branches in towns like Klerksdorp, Rustenburg, Brits and now Potchefstroom, we can cover all the needs of existing and new customers throughout the province and even beyond,” he tells Dealerfloor.

“Our new dealership is located on the N12 leading into Potchefstroom popular with vehicle dealers. In the longer term, we are looking at the possibility of bringing some of our other brands in the Penta Group to the town as well.”

Japie says the reception of the brand in Potchefstroom is overwhelming and they have already sold a vehicle even before the doors of the new dealership opened. “Not only is the selling of new Suzuki’s going according to plan, but we deliver a comprehensive service that includes a strong after-sales effort from our workshop and parts department.”

The new dealership floor can take up to 15 new vehicles, and there is also space for their used cars division.

Japie, who has been appointed as the Regional Director of the Penta Motor Group for North West, last year, was the Dealer Principal at Penta in Klerksdorp, a multi-franchise set-up with Suzuki, Renault and Mahindra.

He will also be closely involved in the running of the new Suzuki dealership in Potchefstroom together with Gary Visagie, the new Sales Manager.

Japie says the customer base at the new dealership is very diverse and ranges from young to older people, and although students per se are not the primary clientele, the university is a large institution with its staff being an important customer as well as other related industries in the towns.

“We are very excited about the prospects for Suzuki in Potchefstroom and the reaction we received so far. As a growing and one the most popular brands in the country, we have the product range it takes to further strengthen our position in North West,” Japie says.

“Penta Klerksdorp has planted the seed for the brand in the province and from there it spread. As a group, we value the trust put into us to further expand Suzuki, and we are looking ahead with great expectations,” Japie concludes.