In an episode of The AutoBiography, I interviewed the Group CEO of Mit Mak Motors, Bobby Petkov. A distinguished car dealer, with sparking palpable excitement. Bobby provided a unique perspective into the life and challenges faced by a professional in the car dealership industry. The conversation shattered stereotypes associated with car dealers, revealing the person [...]
Peter van Binsbergen, the CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, is a seasoned automotive professional. Whose remarkable journey in the industry has cemented his reputation as a visionary leader. With a career spanning over three decades, Peter's trajectory from a young engineer into the helm of one of the world's most prestigious [...]
In the captivating world of the automotive industry, Leslie Ramsoomar's story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and a love for cars. As the CEO of AutoTrader SA, I am thrilled to share Leslie's incredible journey with you. From starting as a Parts Salesman to leading Stellantis South Africa, Leslie's path is [...]
In a recent discussion with Sascha Sauer, CEO of Audi South Africa, he brought to light that ‘failure is not the end of your journey’. These words resonate deeply with anyone who has embarked on a personal and professional growth journey. Having gone through a similar experience as Sascha, I have realised that failure is [...]
In a recent conversation with Andrew Kirby, CEO of Toyota South Africa, I asked him about how his thinking has evolved over his adult life, from his teenage years to the present day. Andrew has been with Toyota for over 30 years, serving in various roles across different regions, including the United States and Japan. [...]
AutoTrader, a name that echoes through the South African automotive market, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1950s. Originating as a print magazine in the UK, the brand swiftly gained prominence with its ingenious concept of coupling pictures with brief text descriptions to facilitate the sale of various items. Today, I am privileged [...]
In today's market, customer experience is critical. A recent statement by Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa, emphasised that customers don't differentiate between the dealer and the manufacturer when talking about their experience. This impacts how dealers and OEMs position their offerings to customers. Problem-solving One of the key focus areas should be [...]
In the realm of the automotive industry, there are exceptional individuals who rise above the rest, driving innovation, success, and brand loyalty. One such is the illustrious Gary Scott, the brilliant mind steering the ship of KIA South Africa. Behind the scenes, Scott orchestrates a symphony of excellence, revolutionising the way we perceive cars. Today, [...]
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 [...]
