Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
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.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I always do like seeing other people dance in their cars. It's one of the things that makes me happy.
Ariel Gore
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
One of the latest Chinese automotive brands to establish itself in South Africa, GAC Motor, is benefitting from the expertise of well-known motor groups in the country, like the BB Motor Group.
Stellantis has announced the expansion of its multi-franchise dealer network with the addition of the Fiat and Jeep brands to the existing Westvaal Motor Group dealership in Klerksdorp in North West Province.