InspectaCar continues on the up and up

A close-up look at “the home of pre-loved cars”– the only
WesBank and AA endorsed pre-owned motor franchise
Vol 1 No 3
InspectaCar continues
on the up and up
In the
fast
lane
by Tony Clarke
Managing Director
We welcome into the InspectaCar
the pre-owned car map across South
Africa.
InspectaCar brings
a smile
2
family Dean Tharman, who has
InspectaStars
3
opened his doors in George and will,
before long, expand to Mossel Bay.
Annual conference
5
Also aboard are Kempton Park and
Durban (Smith Street), which takes
our tally to 21 dealers.
With another seven openings
imminent, we are well and truly on
It was great for us at Head Office to
renew relationships with our dealer
principals at the annual conference
earlier this year. The presentations
were relevant, the information
shared useful and the event helped
to focus our minds on the most
important aspects of our business –
customers, customers, customers.
Congratulations Marcelle!
Marcelle Hayden of Gredu Brokers has won Zoom In’s first competition,
simply by knowing how many InspectaCar dealers had opened their doors by
May 2005. Marcelle wins an AA Auto Valet car-care bucket valued at more than
R300.
Annual conference
a winner
The power behind the InspectaCar brand dealer principals from across the country gathered in Gauteng in August for the
annual conference. The conference
addressed market trends, the InspectaCar
offering and sales and marketing strategies.
It also served as a platform for the launch
of innovative warranty and maintenance
products.
Turn to
page 5 for
coverage of
the event.
InspectaCar brings a
smile to little faces
In spite of being among the poorest
members of South African society, the
children of Big Smile Little Faces daycare
centre, in Silvertown Soweto,
certainly lived up to the name
when InspectaCar visited
recently to present gifts of
bedding, blankets and other
much-needed goodies.
The centre, started in 2001 by
dedicated community members
Faith Mvene and Miriam Muvhanama,
looks after 62 children from the ages
to 16:00. Those who can, contribute
R60 a month.
Before the crèche opened, many of
the children were simply left to their
own devices while their parents
went to work. Others have started
life on a sad note, infected with
HIV/Aids.
Whatever their
circumstances,
the children are
loved and
nurtured equally
by Faith and
Miriam. "We feed
them and let them
InspectaCar’s
play, and teach
communications manager
them basic writing
Chantelle Oosthuizen
and art," says
with Miriam Muvhanama
Faith. "Donations
and Faith Mvene.
from caring
CONTACT INSPECTACAR:
Tony Clarke, managing director
[email protected]
Glenn Clarke, franchise manager
[email protected]
Chantelle Oosthuizen, communications
manager
[email protected]
CONTACT DETAILS:
Tel:
011 509 7000
Fax:
011 326 4621
Physical address:
Second floor
WesBank House
196 Hendrik Verwoerd Drive
Randburg
Postal address:
Box 50611
Randburg
2125
2
Rising InspectaStars of 2 to 5 every weekday. Many of the
parents are too poor to pay for the
service, which seeks to educate and
entertain their children from 07:00
InspectaCar’s
second
dealership in
the Western Cape
and first on the
Garden Route has
been attracting
customers by the
dozen since its
opening in late
September.
The dealership is
the first InspectaCar outlet with an
AA 'test and drive' facility on the
premises. "InspectaCar and AA are
one giant concept here and
provide a unique shopping
experience," says dealer principal
Dean Tharman. "We've had a great
response from the community."
What Big Smile Little Faces daycare
centre lacks in facilities, owners Faith
and Miriam make up for in love and
care.
companies such as InspectaCar make
their lives, and ours, that much
easier."
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InspectaCar
The dealership can accommodate 40
cars and Dean predicts that
restocking will be a regular activity.
"In our short time in business we
have had lots of feet on the floor and
we've certainly sold some cars. I see
only positive things in the future."
Rising InspectaStars Rising InspectaStars InspectaCar keeps blooming
in Jacaranda city
For variety in preloved cars, the
people of Wonderboom in Pretoria
know InspectaCar is their best port of
call.
InspectaCar Wonderboom is one of
three in the Prima group that provide
customers with vehicles to suit all
needs: InspectaCar Mayville specialises
in sedans, Wonderboom mainly in
single- and double cabs and station
wagons, with Menlyn catering to
those with a taste for executive 4x4s.
Branch manager Derick Smith
attributes the dealership’s continued
success to the attitude and
InspectaCar website, Carfind and
commitment of his team, which
Autotrader, among other media, to
includes four
advertise the
experienced
best deals of
salespeople.
the week.
"We believe in
Earlier this
treating
year, the
customers as
three Prima
we would like
stablemates
to be treated.
won best
We all love
stand
what we are
honours at
selling and all
the
drive 4x4s, so
Zwartkops
we speak the
motor show.
customer’s
Elsabe Engelbrecht
language.
"Once a
❝
I have bought three cars from
InspectaCar Wonderboom and
the team always go the extra
mile. I’m on my own so look to
the salespeople to guide me in
my choice of car and tell me
everything I should know before
buying. I am very satisfied with
the service.
t
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g
Bri
k
r
a
sp
❝
Derick is involved in the planning of
store promotions and marketing, and
makes good use of the Prima
month we
exhibit at the Colonnade Centre in
Zambezi Road. Whilst it doesn’t
necessarily help us to sell cars, it
It would be impossible to miss the
distinctive look of InspectaCar
Wonderboom.
keeps our name in the public’s
mind," says Derick.
Is it any wonder that almost half of
the dealership’s sales are repeat
business?
Below:
Customer Adrian van
Niekerk enjoys a reading
break before driving away
in his new Jeep Grand
Cherokee. "The service
was outstanding," he says.
Customer
Herman
Engelbrecht
admires a
quad at the
dealership.
While visiting Queensland one day
in March 2002, Jenson Button decided
to take a break from work and have
some fun. "I rented a beach buggy
and had paid for it," Button recalled,
"but when they asked for my licence
they said I was too young." Button
was in Queensland to race for
Renault in the Australian Grand Prix.
3
Rising InspectaStars Rising InspectaStars Edenvale doubles
doubles its impact
The strength of his known and
trusted brand, combined with the
unique concept of InspectaCar, is
working wonders for Dave Croucher,
owner of InspectaCar’s Edenvale
operation.
"We set up Damar Motors in 1995 and
it has been the leading pre-owned
operation in Edenvale since then," he
says. "Competition is tough in this
business, so we decided to take on
another strong brand in InspectaCar
to give us even more of an edge."
The two brands operated side by
side for a year until March 2005,
when they were combined to create
InspectaCar Damar Motors. "We
found that our Damar and
InspectaCar operations were carrying
similar stock, so it made sense to
consolidate the two under one roof."
The dealership today, on different
levels and occupying 3 000 square
metres of
showroom space,
accommodates up
to 100 cars.
4
"I have bought eight cars from
Dave and helped family members
to buy another four.
Dave and his InspectaCar sales
team are very open and honest
about the vehicles standing on
their showroom floor. They always
point out any visible faults or
repairs to the vehicles that I am
interested in. They never try to
push me into a sale or a vehicle
that is not suitable for my
requirements. They know all the
vehicles on their showroom floor,
and steer me away from any
vehicles which they see as
unsuitable for me due to
mileage, size, power etc. All of the
Customers are treated to delicious
boerie rolls on a Saturday and good
old-fashioned service all the time.
Dave has been in the trade since 1989,
attracted to it by the wheeling and
dealing, and has grown with the
industry. "I started
out selling cheapies
and developed a
love and passion
for the industry.
Now I feel I am at
the top of my
game, because
InspectaCar is the
benchmark for
quality in the
industry."
The dealership is
also proving itself a
true challenger for
top sales honours –
it has become a
regular top three
sales achiever.
vehicles I have bought from
Dave have had full service histories,
and these vehicles have never
given me any significant problems.
When a small problem has arisen,
Dave has attended to it promptly
and where possible offered me a
loan vehicle.
In the six years that I have been
dealing with Dave, I have bought
two vehicles from other dealers.
The after-sales service at these
dealers came nowhere close to
InspectaCar’s. I look forward to
many more years of purchasing
vehicles from Dave."
Gavin Booth
"I bought a five-year-old Alfa 156
from InspectaCar Edenvale,
which needed some extra
attention.
"Craig, the most efficient car
salesperson I’ve ever
encountered (and I have bought
43 cars), took absolute care of
everything at the dealership’s
cost.
"Rest assured you can buy a
second-hand car from this
honest company."
Darryl Simpson
Drivers along Edenvale’s main
street are guided to the town’s
best pre-owned car dealership
by this giant billboard placed
strategically off the highway
on the approach to the central
business district.
Members of Dave’s team (from left):
showroom manager Brian Smith,
salesperson Craig Donohoe, F&I
consultant Engela Wolmarans, and
salespeople Shannon Griessel and
Shaun Whitehead.
Dave Croucher has established a
tradition for great service and sees
InspectaCar as a perfect extension of
this tradition.
Annual conference highlights successes and challenges
Dealer principals from
around the country
attended the annual
conference.
Who would buy a used car
in today’s market?
"You’d be mad to buy a used
car when there are so many new
cars at attractive prices." With these
words, Ronnie Watson, chief
executive officer of WesBank,
challenged delegates to think deeply
about service and attitude to keep
the used car market a viable
alternative to buyers looking for
fresh wheels.
new cars," he said. "We need a new
car attitude to quality and service,
and more attention on after-sales
followup.
"Our competition in the used car
market is the guy next door selling
“InspectaCar has the makings of an
excellent corporate franchise and is
"We need innovative finance
programmes and buy-back deals,
and have to be prepared to dig into
our pockets if necessary to make a
deal irresistible.
the ideal
vehicle to
turn the
pre-owned
market on
its head.
"After all,
used or
not, the customer is
buying a new car and deserves the
peace of mind that should
go with it."
Achievements, objectives
Tony Clarke, InspectaCar MD,
updated dealer principals on the
state of the InspectaCar nation.
The InspectaCar concept
could be introduced in
Australia. WesBank chief
executive officer Ronnie
Watson confirmed that the
brand has been registered
and market intelligence is
being gathered.
2004/5 milestones
• Opened seven outlets, taking total
to 20.
• Record sales in March 2005.
Recent openings
• George
• Kempton Park
Openings committed
• Port Elizabeth
• Mossel Bay
"Never underestimate the
value of customer
service to retention
of business," Tony
stressed during his
presentation.
• Durban central.
• Tyger Valley
Cape Town
• N1 City Cape Town
• Howick
• Pinetown
• Nelspruit
Turn
to page 6
for more on the
conference
5
Seen at the conference...
Innovative InspectaCar
warranties
Pre-owned car warranties will
never be the same again.
In a first for the industry,
InspectaCar is offering its
customers an extension of factory
warranties.
Nikki Myburgh of WesBank
introduced conference delegates
to the revised InspectaCar warranty
offering, which, she explained,
accurately matched the
InspectaCar stock and brand
profile.
The warranty boasts additional
component cover and offers better
overall benefits, allowing dealers to
improve their customer service.
Specific cover has been created for
the niche 4x4 market.
THE INSPECTACAR ADVANTAGE
InspectaCar boasts several competitive edges that set it apart in the
used car market and ensure customer satisfaction.
•
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•
•
•
•
•
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6
Only franchised dealer network with AA and WesBank endorsements.
Unique AA 101-point mechanical check.
AA roadworthy.
Free AA membership for all buyers.
Total peace of mind motoring.
Premium quality stock is displayed – no models older than seven
years or with mileage over 150 000km.
A national franchised network.
Online vehicle search facility.
Online vehicle finance approval.
Responsible corporate
citizen, reflected in the
49,9% share held by
black-owned and
-managed Peu
Investment
Group.
InspectaCar
Dealer of the
Year 2004/2005
Shameer Akoob of InspectaCar
Pietermaritzburg has scooped the
coveted InspectaCar dealer of the
year title. Hot on his wheels was
Yusuf Ebrahim of InspectaCar Benoni.
The 2005/6 competition covers the
period from 1 September 2005 to 30
June 2006 and will be judged on sales
volumes, customer service index and
corporate governance.
t
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i
Br
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sp
When he was 19 years old, the
future business tycoon Jim
Pattison got a job as a used car
salesman. After enrolling at the
University of British Columbia, he
developed a novel means of selling
cars – each morning he would
drive a sample to school, sell it to
a fellow student during the day
and return home on public
transport.
In 1955, when he took over
management of his father’s used
car business, Pattison initiated the
practice (subsequently notorious)
of firing the salesmen who sold
the fewest cars each month. "The
best salesman," he once remarked,
"hasn’t been hired yet."
InspectaCar
is giving its customers
an early festive season
present, with an 8% fixed
interest rate and optional
unlimited warranty or unique
full maintenance plan. The offer
applies to all cars bought before
15 December 2005. One lucky
buyer will win R50 000 off
the price of his or her
pre-loved car.
Inspectacar on the
small and big screens
If South Africans were not that aware of InspectaCar before,
they will be now, with the new brand awareness and advertising
campaign in top gear. The campaign is tied in to the launch of
InspectaCar’s new warranty and full maintenance products, as
well as the limited period 8% fixed rate offering.
A short burst of radio spots in October was complemented by flightings on TV,
which will continue until end-November. InspectaCar will also reach a captive
audience on the big screen for the first time, with adverts flighting from midNovember to mid-December.
YOU’VE GOT MAIL!
"As a first-time customer at
InspectaCar Steering Auto Benoni, I’d
like to place on record the excellent
and professional service I received
there.
My sons and I were shopping for a
vehicle on 18 September 2005,
obviously still only looking around.
Although it was almost close of
business for the day, the staff was
extremely hospitable. They
recognised that my son just fell in
love with a particular Alfa 147. They
immediately started it up for him
and discussed the vehicle with us.
NEW IN PRINT
Two new publications were launched
at the annual conference – a glossy
corporate brochure giving an insight
into the InspectaCar brand, and a
corporate identity catalogue,
outlining
requirements for
stationery,
branding, point
of sale material,
clothing and
other
corporate
items.
With no pressure on us I
completed an application form
with the friendly salesperson. On
Monday, finance was approved and on
23 September I took delivery of the
vehicle. During this time the salesperson
was in constant contact with me. His
approach and attitude were exceptional
despite me receiving a discount on the
vehicle. I have yet to meet another car
salesperson of his calibre.
personality and courtesy. They will
earn you my recommendation always.
The after-sales service is equally good.
Kind regards
Elaine Bornman
Director: Export Venture Capital
Corporation (Pty) Ltd
To the salesperson, thank you for your
patience. You are undoubtedly an asset
to your company. Keep that warm
Indira Behari
Dear Debbie and Krish
(Cape Town)
I am enjoying my new car
immensely - thanks again for your
friendly service and assistance.
F1 bid boost from WesBank
WesBank has added its weight to
merits our support, considering the
the bid for a South African Formula
impact that an event of this
1 Grand Prix. If the SA Grand Prix
magnitude would have on the
Bid Company, in which
economy. It would
F1 forecast
WesBank has taken a
boost tourism, create
• An additional 25 000 jobs, unlock industrial
20% stake, has its way,
to 30 000 tourists in
this highlight of the
development and
world sports calendar
contribute towards the
Cape Town each year
will return to our shores • 120 000 people at the development and
in 2008 and be staged
transfer of skills.
track over a race
here for seven years
weekend
thereafter.
• An injection of at least It could also be the
R1-billion a year into the catalyst for the
The event will find a
Western Cape economy. transformation of
home in Cape Town, at a
motorsport in our
custom designed 5,6km track built
country. Career opportunities
on a large piece of land adjacent to
would be provided for South
Cape Town International Airport.
Africans in motorsport and a new
generation of drivers, engineers,
Says WesBank general manager:
race attendants and administrators
marketing Peter Page: "We believe
from all sectors of our society
the bid to bring F1 to South Africa
would emerge from the process."
7
INSPECTACAR DEALERS
Dealership
Physical address
Telephone no.
Fax no.
Prima Motors 1
Wonderboom South
949 Voortrekkers Road
Wonderboom South
Pretoria
(012) 335 5526
(012) 335 5527
(012) 335 1831
Prima Motors 2
Mayville
676 Voortrekkers Road
Mayville, Pretoria
(012) 335 5526
(012) 335 5527
(012) 335 1958
Prima Motors 3
Menlyn
271 Bali Avenue
Menlyn, Pretoria
(012) 361 6420
(012) 361 7384
Auto Strada
Cnr HF Verwoerd and Adcock Street
Gezina, Pretoria
(012) 329 0474
(012) 809 1568
Pretoria North
243 Ben Viljoen Street
Pretoria North
(012) 546 3054
(012) 565 6706
Centurion
Cnr John Vorster and Oak Street
Highveld, Centurion
(012) 665 2244
(012) 665 2255
Kempton Park
3 Catalina Street
Kempton Park
(011) 970 3501
(011) 979 3083
Randburg
211 Hendrik Verwoerd Drive
Randburg
(011) 787 8727
(011) 787 8738
Morgan Motors
620 Kudu Avenue
Allensnek
(011) 675 1119
(011) 675 1119
(011) 472 7010
Edenvale
117 Van Riebeeck Avenue
Edenvale
(011) 609 1000
(011) 609 1100
Springs
19 4th Avenue
Geduld, Springs
(011) 811 1490/1/2
(011) 811 5074
Steering Auto
30 Ampthill Avenue
Benoni
(011) 422 6652/3/4/5
(011) 422 6703
Vereeniging
Hansie Roodt
Cnr Leslie Street and Grey Avenue
Vereeniging
(016) 420 1000
(016) 455 4545
Durban
31 Prince Alfred Street
Durban
(031) 332 2177
(031) 332 2179
Durban Central
175 Smith Street
Durban
(031) 335 3900
(031) 337 8691
Amanzimtoti
394 Kingsway Road
Amanzimtoti
(031) 903 8300
(031) 903 8330
Pietermaritzburg
302 Berg Street
Pietermaritzburg
(033) 392 8500
(033) 392 8510
157 Cathcart Street
Queenstown
(045) 839 7194
(045) 838 2327
Helderberg Rola
Motor Group
180 Main Road
Strand
(021) 854 8864
(021) 854 8866
George
37 York Street
George
(044) 874 6788
(044) 874 2125
88 Market Street
Polokwane
(015) 297 8099
(015) 297 8199
(015) 297 3227
GAUTENG
KWAZULU-NATAL
EASTERN CAPE
Queenstown
WESTERN CAPE
LIMPOPO
Polokwane
Customer helpline:
0860 371 371
One for the road
"I have a BMW, but only because BMW stands
for Bob Marley and the Wailers and not
because I need an expensive car."
Bob Marley
8
Website:
www.inspectacar.co.za