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.
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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.
Top Dealer of the Year Award: Niels Wichmann (Head Volkswagen Passenger Cars), Conrad Gresse (Upington Volkswagen) and Martina Biene (Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa).
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.
Micro Dealer of the Year: Niels Wichmann (Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars), Lemmy Dolezal of the Lowveld Group and Martina Biene (Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa).Macro Dealer of the Year: Niels Wichmann (Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars), Michael Kaftel (Hatfield Group) and Martina Biene (Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa).
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.
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