Retail Motor Industry Organisation

Mail Us

Customer Support

Find an

Accredited Member

Menu

Changes in vehicles’ fuel systems lead to increased competition

Changes in the fuel systems of vehicles means that more and more competitors have entered the repair and rebuild sectors of the motor industry, says Johan Botha, Regional Chairman of the Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association (ARA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). Botha is also the founder and owner of Randburg Diesel & Turbo in Johannesburg. The company specialises in the repair and rebuild of diesel pumps, injectors and turbochargers as well as starter motors and alternators for all vehicles.
“For example, more Denso systems have entered the market for repairs and warranty assistance for Original Equipment Manufacturers. These fuel systems also grow and change from year to year, becoming more complex and specialised. As it is an international market, service providers must keep up-to-date with all these changes and improvements,” he says.
He adds that in order to stay up-to-date providers need to attend required workshops and expos and acquire the required equipment. “Staff training is also a big challenge that needs to be continuously addressed.”
Botha says the biggest challenges the industry will face in the next few years will relate to competitiveness, pricing, parts availability and skilled staff. “These are current factors that will remain challenges in the industry. Aftermarket parts are hurting the repair programme and product quality is a concern. Another challenge will be changes towards electrical vehicles and duel fuel powered vehicles i.e. diesel and gas powered.”
Having recently received the Gold award in the Motor Industry category at the 2019 ROCCI awards, Botha is in a good position to offer advice on what leads to success in the industry. “Honesty and integrity. I also believe in being actively involved in the industry, not only for your own benefit, but also for the benefit of the industry as a whole. Staying up-to-date and being part of the changes and finding solutions for the challenges in the industry is key. Randburg Diesel & Turbo strives for the best but can only do so by remaining humble. Support towards the community remains a must. This can be towards charities, support groups, skills development and training. To receive, you must be able and willing to give,” he says.
He encourages all players in the industry to get involved in associations such as ARA and the RMI, as its important to assist the industry and to grow the industry. “If this is not done, the industry could decline and all businesses would suffer. It also helps to maintain guidelines for quality and control and provide a sense of reassurance for customers.”
Attie Serfontein, Director of ARA, says Randburg Diesel & Turbo is a stand-out example of an industry success story. “We are in the midst of Industry 4.0. Businesses that embrace the changes that this new era brings will remain relevant and will thrive. We can’t be afraid to embrace change and step up to increased competition in the market. I congratulate Johan and his team for setting a high standard that the industry can aspire to,” he concludes.