Centurion, 08 February 2021 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) South Africa has recognised its best-performing dealers for their combined performance over 2019 and 2020. The typically annual and important accolades for dealers were, for the first time, combined due to the pandemic.
Last year will go down in South African motor industry history as perhaps the most challenging as dealer sustainability was threatened by COVID-19, its associated lockdowns, and consequent consumer behavior. “Our dealers have shown resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity to still deliver impressive sales results, whilst continuing to ensure the highest level of service to our valued customer base,” said Ismaeel Hassen, CEO of FCA South Africa.
Talking at FCA’s annual dealer awards, Hassen continued to reinforce the importance of recognition and the company’s gratitude to its dealers for keeping the Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, and MOPAR brands relevant and exciting in South Africa as well as Right Hand Drive Africa.
“Our dealers are our direct touch-point with our customers,” said Hassen. “They keep the passion alive and provide solutions for our customer demands.”
Recognised as amongst the best in the country, FCA’s best-performing dealership nationally for new vehicle sales during 2020 was Cargo Motors Bedfordview. The Gauteng dealership took the title away from the 2019 winner, Arnold Chatz Cars.
Not every dealership is geared for large-volume performance and FCA distinguished additional awards for dealers in urban and rural centers for new car sales.
Auto Italia took consecutive titles in 2019 and 2020 for Rural Sales Dealer of the Year, while Rola Motors took the laurels away from William Simpson as Urban Sales Dealer of the Year for 2020 and 2019 respectively. Metro Sales Dealer of the Year for 2020 was Cargo Motors Bedfordview, an accolade won by Arnold Chatz Cars the previous year.
FCA’s MOPAR brand is the holistic aftersales umbrella for parts, accessories, service, and customer care. Customer satisfaction during ownership is critically important and a key focus area for the brands.
Quick and sufficient parts supply removes many frustrations for customers and contributes towards overall customer satisfaction. Service and the central task of putting customers first complete the customer experience.
The Most Improved Aftersales Dealer during 2019 was De Wit Motors Ermelo, with Rola Motors showing the biggest shift in 2020. Keeping its momentum going, Arnold Chatz Cars was named Best Aftersales Customer Service Dealer two years running.
Many individuals contribute to the overall success of dealerships, including sales, parts and service managers and the host of enthusiastic employees that bring the brands to life for customers. This team effort ultimately allows dealerships to earn the recognition of customers and FCA alike. The Aftersales Dealer of the Year for 2019 was Grand Central Motors while Fiat Chrysler Sandton took the 2020 honours.
“Congratulations are in order for our best-performing dealers, but a big thank you is due to our entire dealer network,” concluded Hassen. “All our dealers strive for improved customer satisfaction, are dedicated to service excellence, and are determined to win the hearts and minds of even more customers in 2021.”
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