
Absa puts data, demographics and purchase decisions under the spotlight at DealerCon
Demand, opportunity and timing – these are some of the key factors driving South African consumers’ vehicle purchasing decisions.
- Industry News
- 18 September 2025
Volvo Trucks South Africa hosted its annual Top Achiever Awards, recognising excellence among its dealers and staff with winners in 20 categories.
Volvo Trucks & Buses Cape Town took home the coveted Large Dealer of the Year award, whilst Volvo Trucks & Buses Harrismith secured top honours in the Medium Dealer category. Volvo Trucks & Buses Beaufort West was named Small Dealer of the Year.
"Our dealers are the backbone of our success," says Reshie Balkisson, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s Director for Service Market and Business Development. "They provide expert guidance, support and service to our customers throughout their fleets’ life-cycles, ensuring optimum uptime throughout.
“Volvo Trucks has a service network of 20 dealerships along the major trade corridors of South Africa, including Eswatini, offering fleet owners peace of mind through easily accessible, reliable service and timeous support - no matter the day or time.
"Our skilled technicians are essential in keeping our customers' fleets running efficiently and safely," explained Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “We are driven to go beyond what is expected and to challenge industry norms, as this fuels our commitment to not just exist as a business, but to be a company that makes a difference every single day,” says Waldemar.
Other winners included Technician of the Year, for wholly owned dealers. Teboho Mofokeng from Volvo Trucks & Buses Johannesburg, was joined by Nature Baloyi from Magnis Trucks Pretoria East, who was named Technician of the Year for privately owned dealers.
“Our meticulously trained technicians are the ones who keep the wheels turning, day in and day out. The ones who ensure that every Volvo Truck is ready to perform at its best, keeping them safe, reliable and efficient – essential elements in being the best of the best,” Reshie explains.
Best Overall CSI Dealer - Volvo Trucks & Buses Johannesburg.
Best Uptime Dealer - Volvo Trucks & Buses Middelburg.
Parts Sales Executive of the Year - Graham Norman, Volvo Trucks & Buses Johannesburg.
Best Health, Safety & Wellness Dealer - Volvo Trucks & Buses Cape Town.
Sales Executive of the Year - Willem Landman, Volvo Trucks & Buses Bloemfontein.
"Our priority is to serve our customers and to constantly improve, evolve and optimise our product and service offering with customer success in mind," concludes Waldemar.
"Our partnerships with customers and staff are invaluable to us. We are proud to recognise and reward our staff for their hard work and dedication, and this ultimately means that our customers are supported by the best of the best."
Mahindra South Africa held its Dealer Conference 2025 in Dubai with a focus on strengthening dealer partnerships, enhancing the customer experience and shaping the future together.
The traditional art of haggling with car dealers is getting a digital makeover. A subscription-based artificial intelligence service in the USA is now doing the negotiating for thousands of customers, promising to eliminate the stress and time commitment of securing a better price on vehicle purchases.
“I’m excited and ready for the new challenge,” says Brian Looney, the newly appointed Dealer Principal at CFAO Mobility’s brand-new Isuzu dealership at Cape Gate, which is set to be fully operational from October this year.