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
Times maybe difficult, but new model releases and model upgrades could boost dealerships’ sales volumes tremendously.
Dealerfloor spoke to Chris Labuschagne, Dealer Principal at Oranjé Toyota’s branch in Welkom about the challenges facing new car dealers in the COVID-19 era.
“The registration of new vehicles was a headache in our neck of the woods. We are, however, encouraged by the growing interest shown on media social platforms here on the Goldfields.
“Although a large number of people certainly had to contend with less money, because of salary cuts and adjustments or maybe partners or spouses losing jobs, the very low interest rate most certainly is a huge positive for car buyers,” says Chris.
“I predict that demo models will be as popular as ever and it goes without saying, the used car market. But new car sales are growing again, and we are close to a one-to-one ratio between new and used car sales.
“The upgrade of the Fortuner and Hilux and our new B segment contender will most definitely be the injection we need to get the new vehicles sales right up to where they belong,” according to Chris.
And his motto as the boss? “I believe in treating all my colleagues with respect because people are any business’s biggest asset.”
Chris Labuschange has been with Oranjé Toyota Welkom since 2010 and has been with this Toyota Group in East London, King Williams Town and Klerksdorp. He has a strong background in finance, working for the Santam Bank and later Bankfin. He and his wife love the outdoors, camping, fishing and all activities associated with the outdoors.
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.
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A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
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.