This is exactly what happened when the Carter Group’s Mitsubishi dealership in Melrose took top honours in category A for large dealerships in the manufacturer’s Dealer of the Year Awards.

At age 26, the young Igno Labuschagne is at the forefront of the dealership’s drive and great success as Sales Manager. Igno’s first entry into the world of the retail motor industry, was with the Carter Group about five years ago. He started out on the Renault side, and when Mitsubishi was added to the portfolio, he took over the reins at the new division of the multi-franchise dealership.

“We were over the moon with joy when they announced Mitsubishi Melrose as the winner in category A against some fierce competition. It was unexpected and a reward for the hard work and dedication of our team. Notwithstanding the difficulties when we started out, the effort by everyone involved across our business yielded positive results.

“It would also not be possible to achieve this performance without the support and leadership of Emile Stanz, our General Manager at the multi-franchise overseeing both Mitsubishi and our neighbours, Renault.

“The effort by our marketing team and the assistance of the Carter Group’s directors, helped to seal our success as the Dealer of the Year in our category and shows that the top title as overall Dealer of the Year across all three categories is within reach,” Igno, tells Dealerfloor.

Igno says the Carter Group’s strong online presence and its established business model via digital platforms are the main pillars of the success achieved at Mitsubishi. Most of our business is conducted through this medium.

“The dealership is, however, a friendly environment for potential customers who want to visit. Taking vehicles to prospective clients for test drives and viewing is another strong leg of our way to get people to know us and our products,” Igno says.

He tells Dealerfloor that the seven-seater Xpander is very popular in their area of business, especially with young families. And for price-conscious buyers who love bakkies, the Triton GL double-cab is a firm favourite here.

“The new limited edition Athlete version of the Triton also seems to be popular for those who want something different that stands out from the rest. The bakkie’s dramatic motorsport-themed styling is finding favour with many customers.”

And the way forward? “Building on the current success, making more and more people aware of what they offer in terms of first-class service through the complete buying experience to first-class service in the after-sales department are what it is all about,” Igno concludes.