Volvo now riding solo in Namibia
The relationship between famous Swedish brand Volvo and Novel Motors Company Windhoek, is over. The Managing Director of Volvo Cars South Africa confirmed the safety marque and the local dealer have parted ways.
This week, in response to questions by the Economist, Volvo Cars South Africa (VCSA) Managing Director, Greg Maruszewski explained the move made by the motor company, while he also unpacked what their customers are to expect of the new developments.
Fuel heads and fanatics of the Swedish vehicle brand often would go to Novel Motors to access their top of the range vehicles, but Volvo now flies solo in Namibia, having established their own, independent dealership in Windhoek.
Upon enquiry, Novel Motors Marketing Manager, Hayley Allen confirmed that they no longer sell, nor service the Volvo brand. No further information was shared.
Maruszewski said, Novel Motors Company had been a partner of Volvo Cars for a number of years, but last year, the two parties reached an agreement to end the relationship.
“While it is not normal policy for Volvo Cars to also run dealerships (neither sales nor service), in this instance management of VCSA (together with Volvo Car Group) made the decision that our own service centre would be in the best interest of the brand and the loyal customers we have in Namibia,” he said.
According to him, the facility, situated in Windhoek’s Prosperita industrial area, has been operational since early April 2017, with only a ‘soft opening’.
“Once the facility is up to the usual Volvo standards, in terms of furniture for example which is on order and being specifically manufactured for that facility, we will have a proper launch with marketing support,” he added.
However, he said all the current customers whose details they have, have been notified of the new facility.
“While this is a service centre outright, we will have a display of our latest models, as well as a number of demo [and] courtesy cars available for customers. With the direct involvement of Volvo Cars, and with the comfort that this provides to the current and prospective customers, we do expect that we will have more Volvo customers in Namibia and specifically Windhoek,” he added.
Ultimately he said their ambition is to definitely have a fully-fledged dealership, which will have dedicated sales and service areas, either directly under Volvo Cars, or with another partner, which he said remains to be determined.
“We felt that our customers in Namibia deserve a more premium experience, and we are certain that this will now be the case,” he explained.
Meanwhile he said that all Volvo servicing and sales will take place at the new dealership. “On the service side, the technicians are under direct management of VCSA, and therefore up to date on all aspects of training and latest developments. With the direct involvement, parts availability and pricing will follow strict guidelines to ensure best experience and value for money for our customers,” he said adding that customers will be able to experience the latest products as they are launched in Southern Africa.
According to Maruszewski, direct management of the facility will allow for quicker feedback from customers to Volvo Cars in order to address any queries the customers might have.
“In line with this, there is a specific email set up ([email protected]), which goes directly to the Managing Director of VCSA, to whom our customers or potential customers can turn, should they need to. This is especially important for us during the early start-up phase to ensure that we deliver on our customers’ expectations,” he said.
