It’s all systems go at the construction site of Volkswagen’s latest dealership in Soweto. Work on the 8 000m2 site kicked off at the beginning of July, and the R30-million dealership is scheduled to commence retailing in November.
The idea was first mooted by Soweto entrepreneur, Richard Maponya – of the Maponya Group – in 2007, when he approached Barloworld Automotive with the idea to set up a “motor city” in the township. Barloworld in turn contacted Volkswagen, as the two already have a working history together.
“Volkswagen Group South Africa has a long, proud association with Barloworld. They hold nine percent of our Volkswagen franchise dealers, and account for 13 percent of Volkswagen’s sales,” said Volkswagen MD, David Powels.
What will be Volkswagen’s 105th dealership is a 50/50 joint venture between Barloworld and the Maponya Group. Volkswagen is committed to transformation and was the first OEM in South Africa to achieve a Level 4 B-BBEE rating – in 2010. “Our dealer network is rated at Level 5 overall, whilst Barloword is at Level 3,” said Powels.
This will be one of the first greenfields VW Modular Concept designs in South Africa. The design concept’s distinguishing element is the white frame as a “snapshot” design principle. Like an instant photograph, it brings the various aspects of the brand into focus and directs the viewer’s attention to the contents of the frame. The many different ways it can be used allows it to display new contents as they change, making it an unmistakable symbol of Volkswagen in all media.
The 2 900m2 facility will be a fully-fledged dealership – incorporating new and used car sales, service and parts. Volkswagen Finance will also be offered at the dealership, where it’s anticipated that in excess of 30 new vehicles will be retailed monthly. On the service side – a turnover of approximately 25 cars is expected daily. The project will create an estimated 45 jobs.
Looking at future developments, the dealership will become a retail destination – expanded to include a tyre fitment outlet, a vehicle rental company, a fuel station and other related outlets.
“This, together with a further planned expansion of our network is in line with the Volkswagen Group’s long-term strategy to become the biggest manufacturer in the world by 2018. We at Volkswagen Group South Africa are closely aligned to these objectives, and while we are already the number one passenger vehicle manufacturer in SA, we are striving to be the number one overall on an ongoing basis, which we’ve achieved thrice this year already,” said Powels.
“We are looking forward to flying the Volkswagen flag in Soweto, and to be able to sell and service our products in this important sector of our community,” concluded Powels.
The Maponya Toyota dealership is slated to be operational in November 2011. See: New Soweto Dealership for Maponya Family.
