Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 2026
The Rola Volvo franchise in Helderberg has implemented its global parent company’s practice of assigning every Volvo owner his or her own Personal Service Technician (PST).
The PST programme combines the roles of service advisor and technician, giving all customers a single name and number to contact with regard to their vehicles’ services.
Says Rola Volvo brand manager, Ryan Chapman: “The cornerstone of this human-centric approach is customers’ very own Personal Service Technician, who’ll take care of everything to do with their car – from booking appointments to carrying out the service.
“And, as customers will deal with the same technician each time, they get to know the technician as well as they know their car. So, no misunderstandings.”
In Somerset West, the PST service has been combined with Volvo’s quick turnaround services. This means a customer can book his/her car, enjoy a coffee and free Wi-Fi and have it returned and ready in as little as an hour.
Two of the secrets behind this service is the way that service personnel work in teams, with different members responsible for different parts of the vehicle service. Rola Volvo also staggers service bookings to allow for PSTs to carry out each client’s welcome and final vehicle delivery, while giving clients an opportunity to fit their service into their busy schedule.
Chapman says before COVID-19, clients were invited to walk around in the workshop as part of the commitment to transparency, open communication and building lasting relationships with your PST.
“The technicians needed a bit of training in the beginning and have to be accredited each year, so it takes a lot of effort from our side. Rola Volvo has been doing it for around five years and the system works really well.”
Rola Volvo was crowned Dealer of the Year in 2018 and has been in the top three recently for both sales and – more importantly – after-sales.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
OMODA has expanded its South African lineup with the arrival of the C5 SHS hybrid, a new addition to the C5 range.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
GWM South Africa hosted its annual Dealer Conference and Dealer of the Year Awards, bringing together its national dealer network of over 100 dealerships to review performance, align on strategic priorities, and recognise outstanding achievement across the business.
LDV South Africa recently hosted its dealer conference, with representation from dealerships across the country. Among those present was Joy Zhu, Africa Regional Director for SAIC Motor International, reinforcing the brand’s global backing and commitment to growth in South Africa.
BMW Group South Africa hosted its annual Retailer of the Year Awards celebrating the achievements of its national retail network and recognising the retailers who continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences across the country.