Auto China 2026 promises to be milestone event
Auto China 2026 marks another milestone in the evolution of an event that has tracked China’s rise from emerging market to global automotive powerhouse.
- Industry News
- 16 April 2026
Quite often the telephone is the first touch point a client will have with any business. I find it so fascinating that, so few businesses actually monitor this aspect of their business.
Dealerships are generally pretty good compared to most other businesses. However, there still seem to be some areas that could be improved upon:
Time to answer incoming calls - calls should be answered promptly. Many businesses now have “smart answering” systems, but if you don’t, you must ensure that you have a standard that is understood by everyone concerned. This standard needs to apply to transferred calls as well.
Answering script - calls should be answered according to a “script” that it appropriate for your dealership. Telephonists should speak clearly and slowly. With the number of official languages and accents in South Africa, it is really important that the client understands what your telephonist is saying. Answering transferred calls also needs to be in accordance with your requirements. Quite often the telephonist is well trained, but the rest of the staff deal with calls willy-nilly.
Transferring calls – most systems have a ring time setting for transferred calls in that they can only ring for a certain time before they revert to the switchboard. I would set this to 5-10 rings at most. Additionally, the telephonist should always ask clients if they want to hold rather than automatically just transfer them again without asking.
Basic telephone activity should be monitored and measured. Some of the many elements to measure and track:
Dealerfloor (dealerfloor.co.za) and I will be publishing regular articles on dealership efficiency. I am really looking forward to sharing ideas with you. Join the conversation by sending a WhatsApp to 082-776-1887 to be added to our group.
Auto China 2026 marks another milestone in the evolution of an event that has tracked China’s rise from emerging market to global automotive powerhouse.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa is expanding its Hyundai Grand i10 range with the introduction of a new Executive derivative, as competition intensifies in the price-sensitive entry-level vehicle market.
Geely has launched the new Geely Auto E2 in South Africa, adding a compact all electric hatchback to its growing local line up.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
To be named the overall Hyundai Dealer of the Year is not something that simply happens. It is the result of hard work, dedication, looking after your staff and customers, and maintaining a clear focus on your goal. That goal is to be the best.
GWM South Africa hosted its annual Dealer Conference and Dealer of the Year Awards, bringing together its national dealer network of over 100 dealerships to review performance, align on strategic priorities, and recognise outstanding achievement across the business.
LDV South Africa recently hosted its dealer conference, with representation from dealerships across the country. Among those present was Joy Zhu, Africa Regional Director for SAIC Motor International, reinforcing the brand’s global backing and commitment to growth in South Africa.