Mitsubishi East Rand on the right track

This is the case at Motus Mitsubishi East Rand, awarded for being the top dealer in the A category for large dealerships from the manufacturer. The dealership also scooped up the accolade of best Sales Dealer of the Year in this specific category with Jaco Odendaal the Sales Manager.

“We are very proud of this achievement, notwithstanding the challenging times the motor retail sector faces with the obstacles we all familiar with by now,” says Kobus Jacobs, Dealer Principal at Mitsubishi East Rand.

“We have had a difficult couple months behind us. When stock was still more readily available, we bought as much as possible, even models from slower moving ranges. During the difficult times, it helped us to survive and do good business.

“If you have stock, you have a bargaining chip. You have something to trade or to swop with other dealers with the end game helping customers getting new vehicles and creating turnover for the business,” he tells Dealerfloor.

Kobus says winning and award like this is an indication that the dealership is firing on all cylinders from new and used vehicles sales to customer satisfaction (CSI) and the smooth running of your aftersales department, which includes the workshop and parts sales.

“I am fortunate that my career in the motor retail business started on the technical side with many years of experience in the parts department and later the workshop for a premium German brand at different dealerships belonging to different motor groups.

“In 1997, I became qualified through, amongst others, Nada and the IMM, with courses that also included the business and management sides of a dealership and spent time at the then Northcliff Delta dealership in different capacities.

“Later, I moved over to Honda West Rand in a Parts Manager capacity, and I became Dealer Principal at Honda Zambezi in 2015. During 2016, I was appointed DP at Mitsubishi East Rand, and Honda East Rand was added in July 2021 when Mitsubishi and Honda East Rand merged. Today, I oversee both franchises, which share the same premises,” Kobus tells us.

“I believe my technical background and years of experience with parts and the workshop prepared me better for the job as DP. For a dealership to survive all departments across the board must perform well. Each plays a pivotal role in the profitability of the business and customer retention which are the foundation for sustainability,” Kobus tells us.

“We have a great team at the dealership, and it is the driving force behind our success. I would never ask any employee to do anything I am not willing to do myself. I enjoy sharing in the happiness of a customer taking delivery of his or her new vehicle. And because of my background, I enjoy assisting clients in the workshop and help solve issues relating to parts just as much,” Kobus says.