Selling French Flair and German Precision

Suhail Suder at Key Pietermaritzburg has taken on a big challenge, but one he feels he was raised to succeed in. The 26-year-old salesman sells Citroën, Peugeot and Opel at what many locals in the Midlands still consider to be an Isuzu dealership.

KZN d4 Suhail Suder

“I’ve been selling cars for only three years now, starting on GWM bakkies, and I look forward to reintroducing the three European brands to new and old buyers in the Midlands,” he told Dealerfloor.

“The main selling points are the high levels of luxury and safety built into even the entry level models. Unlike other brands, there is no down-speccing for our price sensitive market. Instead, you get everything European motorists demand.”

He said he had all but grew up in Peugeots. “My grandfather used to have four 404 models, two to drive and two for spares.” But he adds the brand has come a long way from those robust old 404s”.

Key Pietermaritzburg
Contractors prepare to install new signage at Key Pietermaritzburg.

Suder said while he had a slow start, the new signage that was installed at the dealership during December will help a lot to spread awareness that the Key dealership no longer sells just bakkies and trucks.

“Using social media, local events and our CMS system, I plan to spread the word a lot further,” he said.

He said he hopes to set his marketing plans apart by using the long histories and unique modern selling points of each model to sell them to potential buyers.

“Knowing the strengths and legends of each model helps to connect with interested buyers. For example, the 5008 has a brilliant massage seat, the Corsa handles like it’s on rails and the C3 continues the legend of the Pallas.

Suhail Suder at Key Pietermaritzburg.
Suhail Suder at Key Pietermaritzburg.

“My challenge is to find venues and gathering places where I can best demonstrate each car’s strength to potential buyers,” he said.

“And once a person experiences what the European brands offer, they understand why our annual Cars in the Park gatherings still draw our grandfathers to talk of the Kadett Superboss, the Peugeots’ frugal toughness or the Citroëns’ unique little luxuries.”

More Dealer News stories

BB Ford Tzaneen has hooked the ‘big one’

BB Ford Tzaneen has hooked the ‘big one’

It is called the “big one” in the automotive industry, the prestigious MSXi | NADA Dealership of the Year award, which was lifted by BB Ford Tzaneen, which also took the top spot on the podium in the category for Unlisted Groups.

  • 25 April 2024
VW announces its Grand Prix award winners

VW announces its Grand Prix award winners

Volkswagen acknowledged its top performers from the dealer network at its annual Grand Prix Awards where the top award as Dealer of the Year went to Conrad Gresse of Upington Volkswagen.

  • 23 April 2024
Bradley Scorer: Again re-united with his passion

Bradley Scorer: Again re-united with his passion

Coming back home to his roots, so to speak, with a passionate challenge lying ahead for him. So says Bradley Scorer, the newly appointed Franchise Executive for the Supergroup Dealerships Stellantis brands as well as Chery.

  • 22 April 2024