Volkswagen acknowledged its top performers from the dealer network at its annual Grand Prix Awards where the top award as Dealer of the Year went to Conrad Gresse of Upington Volkswagen.
Lemmy Dolezal of the Lowveld Group has once again clinched the title of Micro Dealer Group of the Year, repeating his success from last year. The award, which requires a minimum of two dealerships contributing at least 2% towards the overall Volkswagen Dealer sales result, serves as a testament to Dolezal's outstanding leadership and dedication.
A significant milestone achievement, the Macro Dealer Group of the Year award was won by Michael Kaftel of the Hatfield Group for the seventh consecutive year. The Hatfield Group exhibited genuine commitment to excellence by contributing a minimum of 8% to the overall Volkswagen Dealer Sales result.
The awards ceremony also recognised other noteworthy accomplishments within the Volkswagen dealer network. Williem Fourie of Lindsay Saker Alberton was named Service Manager of the Year while André Kramer of McCarthy VW Parow was named New Vehicle Sales Manager of the Year.
A Lifetime Achievement award was also presented to Hendrick Vermaak of McCarthy Group. The Lifetime Achievement award honours individuals who have dedicated their lives to making significant contributions and have left a lasting legacy of the Volkswagen Brand, their community and the automotive industry.
At the ceremony, 86 members of the Volkswagen dealer network were recognised across 20 different award categories.
“The Volkswagen Grand Prix Awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication, tireless effort and exceptional service consistently provided by our dealer network. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, expressing profound gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the continued success and reputation of the Volkswagen brand,” says Niels Wichmann, Head of Brand Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Leapmotor at Stellantis South Africa announced a partnership agreement with boutique car rental company, Drive Electric, to make premium electric mobility more accessible to local driving consumers.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to dominate the European Union’s (EU) car market from 2035, yet their eventual share could vary considerably depending on the strength of upcoming emissions rules, according to new findings from the transport campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E).
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in the United States (US) has renewed its backing for policies aimed at preventing Chinese vehicle manufacturers from establishing a foothold in the US, despite growing expectations that their entry may be inevitable.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Stellantis South Africa announced the opening of the new Bidvest McCarthy Centurion dealership reinforcing its brand house network and expanding access to key automotive brands across the Gauteng Province.
Housed in the upmarket, safe and centrally located Ballito Business Park in Moffat Drive, the location is in the heart of the Ballito retail trading business precinct amongst many already established OEM brands.
Within the vehicle retail sector, there are meaningful career opportunities for young people who are interested in sales, customer engagement, administration and dealership operations.
