Last year, Audi Centre Sandton, part of the Lindsay Saker grouping in Motus, took the second podium, which was followed by even greater achievements during this year’s ceremony.

The coveted title could not have happened at a more opportune time for the team at Audi Centre Sandton, as a new journey for the award-winning dealership will start soon at a brand-new locale. By the end of June, the dealership will relocate to the Central Business District of Sandton, moving in at 92 Rivonia Road, a state-of-the-art facility synonymous with a premium brand like Audi.

“We are grateful for the recognition and humbled by being rewarded as the top Audi dealership in South Africa, while gearing up for an exciting new chapter in a world-class facility,” says Roelf Marais, Dealer Principal, in an interview with Dealerfloor.

“This development in the heart of South Africa’s economic hub will not only house the largest Audi dealer by volume, but will also set the tone for the brand’s flagship dealership. The new venue, which has an open space layout, will create a homely environment with earthy tones in a relaxed and family-friendly setting.

“The customer journey will be enhanced with the latest digital interface between the widest range of high-end products and tailormade offerings. This will allow for a greater connection and understanding of modern-day buyer needs, through a consumer-centric approach. It will further lift our game as a benchmark automotive destination,” Roelf says.

The new dealership will be among the first in South Africa to carry the latest international CI specifications from Audi, putting new emphasis on the product and the status of the facility with boutique-like qualities.

In a recent statement, Audi SA said it plans to optimise its footprint strategy to ensure retail presence and long-term partner viability.

Asked about the difficult times premium brands find themselves in with a drastic decrease in sales volumes, Roelf says that Audi’s strategic plan with the optimisation is well-considered and that customers will no doubt benefit from the most recent enhancements. Our progressive product line-up and a prospect of various new releases in the near future place Audi in a fortunate position to remain a vehicle of choice for those who demand quality.

“Yes, the economic reality means that most premium brands sell fewer vehicles. This, however, makes customer-centricity and employee development more valuable than ever before, while consistency and progress remain part of our core values.

“Audi Centre Sandton established invaluable relationships over many years that have stood the test of time. Staff continuity lies at the heart of this the new facility and will assist us in cementing these relationships and forge even more to come. We thank our loyal clientele for their valued support, and we look forward to hosting them at our new premises,” Roelf tells Dealerfloor.

Getting back to the lower sales volumes in the segments where brands like Audi do business, Roelf says owing to financial strain, potential buyers who wish to acquire a premium vehicle, find it more difficult nowadays, although pre-owned Audis remain in high demand.

“The typical ‘buy down’ trend keeps a number of buyers just out of reach of the premium brands, while at the top end it is less of an issue. You cannot talk about automotive, without mentioning the Chinese revival locally, yet the majority of our consumers remain loyal to the Audi brand,” he concludes.

The following staff members also won awards:

• Dealer Principal of the Year, Category 1: Roelf Marais, Audi Centre Sandton.
• New Vehicle Sales Manager of the Year, Category 1: Lateef Rasdien, Audi Centre Sandton.
• New Vehicle Sales Executive of the Year, Category 1: Tenielle Potgieter, Audi Centre Sandton.
• RS Model Expert of the Year, Mark Friedman, Audi Centre Sandton.
• Service Manager of the Year, Category 1: Wayne Engelbrecht, Audi Centre Sandton (2^nd).
• Parts Manager of the Year, Category 1: Pranesh Mootheram, Audi Centre Sandton (2^nd)

• Roelf holds a BCom degree in Economics and International Trade, a Post Graduate Diploma in General Management and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). He has been the Dealer Principal at Audi Centre Sandton for the past four and a half years, and his career in the retail side with the Audi and Volkswagen brands span over many years.