So says Elric Everson, Dealer Principal at Hyundai N1 City in the Cape, which was awarded the brand’s much sought-after overall Dealer of the Year title for 2024 as well as winning its category.

“We are thankful for the honour bestowed on our dealership, and it proves that hard work, a committed workforce and dedicated leadership can make a difference, and do not forget our superb range of vehicles,” Elric tells Dealerfloor.

“Hyundai N1 City is part of Motus and located in Goodwood’s motoring hub. We are not only facing fierce competition from other ‘hungry’ Hyundai dealerships for this title, but in terms of sales, we are surrounded by competing brands on our doorstep,” he says.

Elric is a true Hyundai man and for that matter also a true Motus man with his entire career spent at Hyundai dealerships in the Motus stable. “I have gained experience in all the aspects of sales in different capacities on the new and used car sides and at a number of different Hyundai dealerships.

“This all led to becoming the Dealer Principal at Hyundai Stellenbosch before being promoted to DP at N1 City about seven months ago, which is a large dealership with combined sales of new and used vehicles in the region of 100 vehicles a month and we accommodate up to 35 services a day,” Elric tells Dealerfloor.

Asked where the secret lies to rank as the number 1 dealership, he says a strong and focused leadership style is essential. “Over many years at different Hyundai dealerships in various roles, I learned a lot of the finer nuisances, not only about business but also about people.

“A dealership is just as strong as its staff, and assembling the right people for the right job is a vital aspect of success in our kind business. We sell vehicles to people, our customers, and rendering an unbeatable deal and renowned after-sales experience is part of the winning recipe,” he notes.

When it comes to the product, Elric is clearly a Hyundai man. “We have a tried, tested and trusted product. We are a top brand in South Africa with part hubs all over to ensure the best customer care when it comes to parts availability.

“We do not need to sell on price alone as the quality of our vehicles is a given. Even on the used side, Hyundais are immensely popular. It is true, the new car market is under stress. Affordability is a key aspect for car buyers. In this regard, our good reputation and long transferable warranties, make Hyundai a formidable player both on the new and the used car markets,” he says.

And where to from here? “Keep on doing what we do well - selling cars, taking care of our customers, growing the business and fine-tuning what we need to do to stay on top,” he adds.