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
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.
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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A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
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.