As the CEO of AutoTrader SA, being a leader means more than just managing a team or making strategic decisions. It means personifying our brand's essence and our love for what we do. In today's fast-paced business world, it can be easy to lose sight of the values that define your brand. However, as a [...]
As the Chair of Volkswagen South Africa, Martina tells us that she is constantly reminded that leadership is more than just managing day-to-day operations. The decisions we make as leaders have a ripple effect that extends beyond direct reports and impacts the families of employees and suppliers. In a multicultural environment, understanding and navigating cultural [...]
Electric vehicles are a hot topic in the automotive industry, with many companies investing heavily in research and development to stay competitive. One such company is Ford, which has highlighted its plans to vertically integrate its electric vehicle production process. In an interview, Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa discussed the company's plans [...]
Sascha Sauer, the esteemed CEO of Audi South Africa, is widely recognized for his exceptional achievements and leadership skills in the business world. However, beyond his role at Audi, Sascha possesses a fascinating and diverse personality that extends far beyond the corporate sphere. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the multifaceted persona of [...]
As the world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs), Volkswagen (VW) is leading the charge to bring this revolution to South Africa. In a recent conversation with Martina Biene CEO of Volkswagen South Africa, we discussed the company's plans to introduce EVs in the country. Retooling existing plants for EVs One of the main [...]
As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, the question of how consumers will buy them is becoming increasingly relevant. Dealerships are here to stay I believe that the traditional dealership model is not going anywhere soon. Despite the potential for disruption from new technologies and business models. One reason for this is that buying a [...]
The rise of online marketplaces has revolutionised the automotive industry, making it easier for both sellers and buyers to connect and transact. However, one of the biggest challenges for retailers and marketplaces is determining attribution - the ability to trace a sale back to where the consumer first interacted with the product. This is particularly [...]
Andrew Kirby's successful career in the automotive industry was shaped by a good foundation in academics and sports which he excelled at throughout his childhood. This balance prepared him for his future roles in leadership, where he had to be strategic and competitive. Andrew’s story highlights the influence of family on career choices and aspirations. [...]
I was recently given the opportunity to be part of the first Thought Leadership Roundtable discussion held by naamsa. This was on how we stimulate demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in SA as the automotive industry. Personally, I have witnessed how technology has changed the automotive industry. From internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, [...]
Martina Biene's story of success is an inspiring one. Her journey from being a Theology graduate to the Head of Volkswagen's Passenger Car Brand in South Africa is an example of how perseverance and a commitment to learning can take one to great heights. Martina started her career at Volkswagen as a management trainee in [...]
