Notwithstanding the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to all sectors of the economy, one dealership can boast that its sales are already getting close to its average for the last seven years.
Share with friends
Not a small feat taking into account that normality in the retail sector is still far from being normal.
The dealership in question is Mahindra Bloemfontein, one of the biggest Mahindra dealers in South Africa and also one of the oldest as it was established in 2004 when the Indian manufacturer first opened its doors in South Africa.
Jaco Swart, Dealer Principal, says Mahindra in Bloemfontein sells all the company’s products, from vehicles, generators and tractors to earth-moving equipment. Since its inception, Mahindra Bloemfontein has sold more than 3 000 vehicles.
“During the lockdown, we provided emergency assistance to clients on a 24-hour basis. Even potential new clients were assisted telephonically. Today, financing is an issue because people’s credit records are currently being closely scrutinised.
“Getting instalment payments back on track is the only sure way to repair confidence in your credit record, and we will go out of our way to assist buyers, says Jaco, who has been with Mahindra Bloemfontein for the past seven years.
Mahindra Bloemfontein won numerous awards over the last eight years and always finishes among the top three Mahindra dealers in South Africa. The dealership was the number one dealer in the Mahindra family from 2013 up to 2017 and took second places in 2018 and 2019.
Mahindra Bloemfontein is still owned by its original owner, Ferdi Smith senior. It is part of the Smith Auto Group with three owners and directors, Ferdie Smith junior, Fjay Smith and Marisca Morrison, all three of them the children of Ferdie Smith senior.
The team consists of seven sales executives, a finance and insurance executive, two technical personnel, two service advisers, two administrative ladies, one service manager, one driver, four cleaners and the dealer principal.
The Smith Auto Group owns Mahindra, Honda, Haval, GWM, Peugeot and Citroën, as well as BAW and BAIC. The group will soon move all its franchises to a new home opposite the Technicon and Park Road Police Station with enough safe parking and facilities for all clients. Mahindra in Bethlehem is the SAG’s latest acquisition.
South Africa is facing a growing threat to its automotive industry, economy and public safety – Grey vehicle imports – according to a statement by Vehicles Fact Verifications Systems.
Thule South Africa are expanding their local product offering with the launch of three new products that epitomise the brand’s ethos of “Bring your life”.
Call it a job well done or maybe more of a masterclass performance. This is some of the ways to describe CMH Honda Hatfield’s recently winning the overall Honda Dealer of the Year award.
Call it a job well done or maybe more of a masterclass performance. This is some of the ways to describe CMH Honda Hatfield’s recently winning the overall Honda Dealer of the Year award.
The Eastvaal Motor Group has added Kia and Renault to its existing portfolio in Secunda and revamped its Ford and Mazda dealership as part of the process.
The critical need for trained staff in automotive retail dealerships is underscored by the increasing number of new and returning vehicle brands entering the South African market and establishing trading networks across the country.