Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
Following a hiatus of two years owing to the COVID pandemic, the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) has reinstated its highest honour, the NADA Lifetime Achievement Award. It went to industry stalwart, Derik Scorer.
The award recognises the person who has had a successful career in the retail motor industry and has most notably raised the profile and reputation of motor vehicle dealers.
Derik, who has worked tirelessly in the motor industry since the late 70s, is the current Senior National Vice-Chairperson of NADA. His sharp focus on ensuring a full quality service to all clients has resulted in his recognition by various OEMs and other industry bodies over many years.
“In recognition of his tenacious passion, exemplary dedication and extraordinary contribution over many years to improving the trading environment for motor vehicle dealers. Derik’s legacy of inspirational, visionary and diplomatic leadership will be etched in the annuals of the South African Motor Industry for eternity,” reads the citation on his award.
Derik has served on numerous motor industry representative bodies, including Dealer Councils, the RMI as well as four years as chairperson of NADA. He ended a seven-year tenure as CEO of Supergroup Motor Division in 2006, returning to the dealership environment with the purchase of Arnold Chatz Cars. Here he resuscitated an award-winning dealership model, which in the past 15 years has been expanded under his stewardship into a vibrant group of dealerships with the latest additions being Maruleng Auto and Haval Hoedspruit, where Derik is currently Dealer Principal and more importantly a ‘bush life’ enthusiast.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
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If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
One of the latest Chinese automotive brands to establish itself in South Africa, GAC Motor, is benefitting from the expertise of well-known motor groups in the country, like the BB Motor Group.
Stellantis has announced the expansion of its multi-franchise dealer network with the addition of the Fiat and Jeep brands to the existing Westvaal Motor Group dealership in Klerksdorp in North West Province.