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.
South Africa is facing a growing threat to its automotive industry, economy and public safety – Grey vehicle imports – according to a statement by Vehicles Fact Verifications Systems.
Thule South Africa are expanding their local product offering with the launch of three new products that epitomise the brand’s ethos of “Bring your life”.
Call it a job well done or maybe more of a masterclass performance. This is some of the ways to describe CMH Honda Hatfield’s recently winning the overall Honda Dealer of the Year award.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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Call it a job well done or maybe more of a masterclass performance. This is some of the ways to describe CMH Honda Hatfield’s recently winning the overall Honda Dealer of the Year award.
The Eastvaal Motor Group has added Kia and Renault to its existing portfolio in Secunda and revamped its Ford and Mazda dealership as part of the process.
The critical need for trained staff in automotive retail dealerships is underscored by the increasing number of new and returning vehicle brands entering the South African market and establishing trading networks across the country.
