Events Archives - Retail Motor Industry Organisation

Retail Motor Industry Organisation

Kia Dealer Of The Year Announced

2011 was a very eventful year for KIA Motors South Africa and was filled with numerous new car launches including the launch of the Cerato Hatch in April, the all new Picanto in July and the new Rio in November. The launch of these new models resulted in increased sales across the dealer network, having a positive effect on overall growth for the brand.
Every year Kia Motors South Africa honours it’s best performing dealers. The annual KIA Dealer Conference, which took place at Emperors Palace this year, turned out to be a star-studded event, with Kia Brand ambassadors, Mark Pilgrim and Elana Afrika as joint Masters of Ceremony, and other Kia brand ambassadors Danny K and Kabelo attending the event.
The main purpose of the annual Kia conference is to award excellence in the Kia dealer network and honour top performing dealers in various categories including sales, aftersales and parts.
The title of the Overall 2011 KIA Dealer of the year was awarded to KIA Centurion, which excelled in all of the above-mentioned fields during 2011. When presented the award, Kia Motors Centurion Dealer Principal, George Haward and his team were over the moon. “We have only had the Kia franchise for 30 months, and this award represents the commitment and hard work of a dedicated team to make this dealership as successful as it is now”, comments George.

March 7, 2012

Renault Welkom Aces 2011 Dealer Awards

Renault Welkom has trumped 49 other contenders to take top title at Renault South Africa’s 2011 Club of Diamonds Dealer of the Year Awards. Renault Fountains (Tshwane) took second spot while third position overall went to the Western Cape’s Renault Paarl. Unitrans Automotive received Renault SA’s Franchise Award for Best Performing Group.
At the gala awards evening held on Friday night at Montecasino in Fourways north of Johannesburg, a triumphant Jurie Venter, Dealer Principal at Renault Welkom said: “I committed to winning in 2011 and my team and I worked really hard to make this win a reality.”
Customer sales and service has always been a dedicated focus and over the years, the dealership has sustained its reputation as being quality-driven. “In 2009 and 2010 we were proud to receive Renault’s Global Quality Award,” says Venter. “It’s a team effort and I am surrounded by the very best.
“To Renault South Africa, your support has been fantastic and you have gone above and beyond the call in helping us to achieve the success that we have. We have great prospects for the year ahead. In addition to the extended Renault Sandero range, I am very excited about the rejuvenated Clio III range and the introduction of the well-priced, entry-level Clio 1.6 Yahoo! and Yahoo! Plus models,” he concludes.
Renault Welkom’s perseverance and success epitomises Renault’s commitment to put people at the heart of its business by being an accessible, progressive brand with a vehicle for everyone and by providing an exceptional value proposition supported by comprehensive quality, safety and warranty offerings.
Bernie du Plessis, Divisional Chief Executive of Unitrans Automotive was on hand to accept the Best Performing Franchise Group Award from Xavier Gobille, Managing Director of Renault SA. Du Plessis has a longstanding association with the Renault brand having worked for the company as regional manager until 1981. “The brand has always been close to my heart and I would like to thank Renault for their tremendous support. I can’t stress enough the stunning product line-up that Renault now offers – the locally manufactured Sandero Stepway in particular, has been a major success for Unitrans, one of our best volume sellers.”
“Like Unitrans Automotive, Renault runs a tight ship and wants to succeed and should the opportunity arise to increase the number of dealerships that we have, we would certainly look at it,” he adds. Unitrans Automotive currently operates the Renault Kempton Park, Benoni and Clearwater dealerships in Gauteng.
As Vice President of Sales and Operations at Renault SA, Leslie Ramsoomar says that the 50-strong dealer network now has approximately 90 per cent coverage throughout South Africa making the Renault brand far more accessible to consumers. “Renault has become a very attractive franchise for motor retail organisations and independent operators alike and I am proud to report that during 2011, our Customer Service Index levels reached a record high.”
“Renault South Africa has much to be proud of,” says Xavier Gobille. “Our dealer network has never been as extensive or as satisfied as was independently borne out by the results of the 2011 National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) survey which saw Renault awarded gold. Coming second out of a total of 37 motor manufacturers, just 0.1 per cent behind the front-runner, was a considerable achievement and so, a big thank you to all present for recognising and rewarding our efforts.
“While we never underestimate our competitors, Renault SA’s quality and service levels, product line-up and overall value proposition have never been as good,” he concludes.

March 6, 2012

Kwalata Trade Day Set For 12 May

The much anticipated 2012 Kwalata Trade Day takes place on 12 May. During interactions and discussions with members the need was expressed to again host a trade day at Kwalata Game Range.
ERA, MIWA and SADFIA have decided to host such a regional event as part of their national roadshow. Due to the ever changing business environment it was also decided to welcome all other associations within the RMI to partake in the day’s event as there are quite a number of issues which are relevant to all sectors within the motor industry.
The motivation behind the trade day has always been to build lasting relationships between customers and their loyal suppliers; the promotion and interaction of RMI members and the sharing of ideas and interest and; the creation of a platform for network opportunities among all relevant parties.
The aim of the day is to achieve the above in a relaxed, enjoyable yet educational manner. The success of the trade day in the past can be attributed to the fact that, from a member point of view, the RMI has attracted mainly decision-makers and trendsetters while its suppliers who participate proved to be reputable and leaders in their respective fields.
From a business point of view the RMI have always managed to cover a variety of contemporary issues with the emphasis on technical information. The organisation have also taken care to develop special consideration to a fun filled ladies program as it is important to spoil the ladies while delegates are networking with fellow RMI members and suppliers.
The event starts at 14:00pm and is followed by dinner and entertainment. The cost is R550 per main delegate. Accompanying partners are free. Regrettably, no provisions have been made for children.
Should you choose not return home after the evening, please contact Kwalata directly to make a booking on 012-711-8200 or visit www.kwalata.co.za For the more adventurous, a game drive can be booked on the day for R150 per person.
For delegate bookings and more information please contact Wilma on 012-348-9311 or email wilma.oosthuizen@rmi.org.za

March 6, 2012

Volvo Car SA Announces Top Dealers For 2011

Volvo Car South Africa announced the winners of the various categories in its 2011 Dealer of the Year (DOTY) at a gala dinner this week. The margins determining the overall result were narrow – illustrating the level of commitment to excellent service throughout Volvo Car SA’s dealer network.
The awards give recognition to Volvo’s dealer network in Southern Africa for commitment and dedication to the Volvo brand but also for consistently delivering excellent levels of service.
“The entire automotive industry, and therefore our dealer network, has faced a tough few years. It has been a challenging time for everyone, so it is inspiring to see how our dealer network has faced these challenges head on – with dedication and hard work. The results over the past year are a clear indication that our dealer network will continue to excel and it gives me great pleasure to award this dedication to excellence,” said Bram van der Reep, MD Volvo Car South Africa.
Sales Dealer of the Year was awarded to Volvo Cars Bedfordview for consistent and focused performance in exceeding all Sales objectives for 2011. Bedfordview achieved second place in this same category last year, showing this dealership is constantly striving toward excellence.
The Aftersales Dealer of the year award went to Eastern Cape Motors Port Elizabeth. During 2011 the team managed to relocate to modern new premises, not an easy exercise but still managed to claim this coveted award. This illustrates what a team with passion and a fantastic attitude can achieve.
The Most Improved Dealer award was snatched up by Auto Niche Bloemfontein who achieved in excess of 110 per cent of their Sales volume target and also showed a huge improvement in their Aftersales department.
And finally, the Overall Dealer of the Year was awarded to Volvo Cars Bedfordview. Bedfordview achieved this accolade due mainly to their focus on delivering excellent standards at all times. The team at Bedfordview is performance-driven with a passion for the Volvo brand that is setting new benchmarks within the Volvo dealer network.
Auto Baltic Boksburg was awarded the Volvo Financial Services Dealer of the Year award.
The Managing Director’s Award of Excellence was once again awarded to dealerships or individuals that stand out from the rest. The criteria for this award are entirely at the MD, Bram van der Reep’s discretion, but teamwork, passion and leadership are undoubtedly the deciding factors.
This year the Managing Director’s Special Award for Excellence went to:
1. Johan Coetzee – Auto Baltic Boksburg
2. Christo Leeuwner – AutoTec Nelspruit
3. Warren Ellis – McCarthy Tygervalley
4. Dennis Chapman – Eastern Cape Motors Port Elizabeth
“Hosting an annual Dealer awards ceremony is our way of saying thank you to all those individuals and teams that passionately embrace and represent the Volvo Brand in our Dealerships. It’s an annual event that everyone looks forward to, because it’s an opportunity to recognise the excellence, growth and brand pride that runs deep in the Volvo family”, concludes Bram van der Reep.

March 5, 2012

Chrysler South Africa Celebrates Dealer Excellence

Chrysler South Africa held its annual Sales Champions and Dealer of the Year Awards Banquet in Cape Town on Saturday, 3 March 2012.
Seventeen awards were handed out to Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge winning Sales People and recognised Dealer Principals representing the best of the countrywide Dealer Network.
“Chrysler South Africa and its three brands: Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge celebrated stellar results in 2011 showing an overall 38 per cent increase in sales. These results deserved this great celebration of excellence and achievement,” said Trent Barcroft, CEO, Chrysler South Africa.
The evening of fine dining, spectacular Chicago theme and great entertainment was completed by Chrysler South Africa awarding the top achievers:
Dealer Of The Year:
• CEO’s Award: Maemo Motors, Ignis de Swart
• Metro Dealer: Grand Central Motors, Robbie Matticks
• City Dealer: Maemo Motors, Ignis de Swart
• Town and Country Dealer: McCarthy Inyanga, Brian Harvey
Champions:
• Brand Centre Sales Executive: Grand Central Motors, Pieter Jansen van Rensburg
• Market Centre Sales Executive: M&Z Motors, Christelle Erasmus
• Brand Centre Sales Manager: Grand Central Motors, Dawie Roux
• Market Centre Sales Manager: Maemo Motors, Rudi van Dyk

February 26, 2012

Nissan South Africa Annual Dealer Awards

Nissan South Africa hosted its annual dealer network business conference and awards in Mauritius, which included some ‘joy and fun and seasons in the sun’.
The traditional black tie gala event was replaced by an informal beach party in true Mauritian style. This event also marked the announcement of the Dealer of the Year and numerous other awards.
Datnis Nissan in King Williams Town won the Dealer of the Year and Jean van Aardt, Dealer Principal, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of Datnis.
Arnold du Plessis and his team at the BB Group were named Dealer Group of the Year.
Nissan South Africa would like to congratulate all the winners and thank them for their contribution to the company’s success.

February 21, 2012

Jaguar Land Rover Dealers Shine

Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa recently honoured its top dealers at a Gala Awards ceremony hosted at Crystal Towers in Cape Town. With Mark Bayley as Master of Ceremonies and Bryan Habana as a guest speaker, the evening was one to be remembered for a long time to come.
Jaguar Bryanston scooped the Jaguar Dealer of the Year Award, while Land Rover N4 Witbank was named the Land Rover Dealer of the Year, the pair emerging as the company’s leading dealer franchises for 2011.
“Both Jaguar Bryanston and Land Rover N4 Witbank excelled in the stringent criteria we set down for all of our dealers,” said Kevin Flynn, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa. “Our dealers are our primary point of contact with our customers and therefore it is imperative that they strive for the highest levels of service excellence in every sphere.”
Jaguar Bryanston also emerged as the Jaguar Top Sales Dealer of the Year as well as also scooping the award for Jaguar Top Service Customer Satisfaction Index Dealer of the Year for its consistency in customer service excellence.
Land Rover’s Top Sales Dealer title was awarded to Land Rover Sandton for its exceptional sales volumes during 2011 as well as the trophy for The Land Rover Top Service Customer Satisfaction Index Dealer of the Year. The award is presented to the dealer that consistently delivers excellent customer service. This is measured through the Tactix Programme, which is a daily Customer Satisfaction interview conducted by Conexus, a subsidiary of Synovate. Customer satisfaction scores are released on a monthly basis to dealers.
Daly Land Rover, Potchefstroom was named Land Rover’s Most Improved Dealer of the Year, demonstrating substantial growth and progress throughout 2011. Land Rover East Rand walked away with the Financial Services Dealer of the Year prize.
For the first time Jaguar Land Rover Sub Sahara Africa participated in the prestigious Dealer of the Year Awards event. Premier Auto Services, Zimbabwe took top honours as the Jaguar Importer of the Year, with Coscharis Motors, Nigeria the top Land Rover Importer of the Year. CMC Automobiles, Tanzania was named the Most Improved Importer of the Year for Sub Sahara Africa.
“I would like to congratulate all our award recipients for their exceptional efforts and thank them for their ongoing commitment and dedication to both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. We strive to ensure all our customers receive a superlative ownership experience and this can only be achieved through the passion and hard work of everyone within our dealer network,” concludes Flynn.

February 16, 2012

RMI Golf Day

The RMI Golf Day is scheduled to take place on 23 March 2012, at the Crown Mines Golf Club. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Should you be interested in these sponsorship opportunities, we request that you respond on or before the 15th March 2012.
Should you require any additional information, please contact Sibongile Mtaopane on 011 8866300 or email: sibongile.mtaopane@rmi.org.za

February 10, 2012

SAAW 2012 Firing On All Cylinders

There is unprecedented local and international interest in the third South African Automotive Week (SAAW), which comes at a time when the global auto industry is looking for new markets and sources of supply, says Andrew Binning, SAAW 2012 project director.
“The South African motor industry has put its full support behind South African Automotive Week, and it will host several conferences, match-making appointments and the annual meeting of the National Association of Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM),” Binning said at a briefing in Port Elizabeth following a meeting of the SAAW 2012 task team.
Feedback and the level of interest shown to date point to SAAW 2012 is “twice as big and twice as influential as SAAW 2009”. The initiative is held every two years, but skipped a year due to the Soccer World Cup. The third edition will be held in Port Elizabeth from October 10 to October 13, 2012.
Binning, CEO of Inkanyezi Event Organisers, says a formal presentation on the South African Automotive Week to the Chinese Trade Development Bureau in Beijing at the invitation of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China during July last year was “particularly fruitful”.
“We have commitment that the Chinese presence will be bigger than the previous SAAW. They definitely see Africa as a growth market, and showed some interest in sourcing components and spares from South Africa,” says Binning. The recent announcement by Chinese truck manufacturer FAW to establish a manufacturing plant at Coega was proof of this, Binning said.
There has also been interest from trade groups in Britain where the DTI is arranging an inbound mission to SAAW, Eastern Europe and the East. Agents have been appointed “on every continent” to promote SAAW to industry associations, component manufacturers and embassies and market the South African automotive industry.
SAAW is a combination of a components industry showcase and includes a series of conferences, networking functions and site tours, and has become an important meeting place for the industry.
“There is already much interest in a breakfast conference hosted by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to share trends and perspectives with the suppliers. One of the breakthroughs of SAAW 2009 was the first-ever informal meeting of key suppliers to all South African based OEMS and the OEM procurement directors.
SAAW 2009 was also one of the first industry events in South Africa to introduce a formal match-making meeting programme. “We helped organise over 300 meetings, and over 11 per cent of exhibitors closed deals worth more than half a million rand each,” he says.
Recognising the value of SAAW, the industry is putting its money into the event in the form of sponsorships of a number of activities and events for SAAW 2012, while the main event is supported by the Eastern Cape Province, MerSETA, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the Coega Development Corporation, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
“Seeing the industry put its financial support behind the event is a real milestone. It means that SAAW is being recognised as one of the important dates on the global automotive industry calendar,” says Binning.