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.
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.
VSL Manufacturing officially unveiled its new R750 million, purpose-built manufacturing facility adjacent to the Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) assembly plant in Struandale, marking a major milestone for South Africa’s automotive value chain, black industrialisation, and the Eastern Cape’s manufacturing ecosystem.
FAW Trucks Southern Africa recently welcomed the extended Southern African regional dealer network and teams as well as country managers, sales directors and technical heads from across the continent to its flagship manufacturing facility in the Coega Industrial Development Zone for the 2025 Export Dealer Conference.
With a passion for the brand and a commitment to delivering the best service and community involvement, MG’s new flagship dealer in Fourways is ready to take the iconic nameplate to new heights.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
With a passion for the brand and a commitment to delivering the best service and community involvement, MG’s new flagship dealer in Fourways is ready to take the iconic nameplate to new heights.
Mazda Southern Africa announced the addition of two new dealer groups to its national after-sales network, strengthening customer convenience and service support across key regions.
Korean automaker Hyundai has been an unmitigated success in the SA new car space. The relative newcomer to the market has been a consistent top-five feature on the new-car sales charts. There are many reasons for this, including good, reliable products at competitive prices. In part, the success is also driven by innovation.
