Peugeot South Africa is quietly extending its growth in the local market with plans for an expanded and new-look dealer network. Four dealerships will open within the next month alone, which include Peugeot Menlyn, Peugeot Westgate, Peugeot Stellenbosch and Peugeot Zululand, with a total of 30 outlets planned by the end of 2013.
Francis Harnie, Peugeot South Africa’s managing director, says: “The drive to meet the requirements of our customers by offering excellent service in both sales and after-sales quality is a core part of our strategy. With our sales growing steadily each month, (an increase of 22% on YTD) the need for a more comprehensive dealer network has become increasingly vital. Our commitment to the South African market is reflected in the growth of our network, and we are positively attracting new investors to the Peugeot Brand. We have always favoured quality over quantity and want the right partners for – and investors in – our brand, whether we’re talking about an outlet in Pofadder or Pretoria.”
Harnie added, “We have already successfully rolled out a number of programmes to look after past, present and prospective buyers by bringing ownership costs down and improving the service experience. Our 5-Year Premium Plan, Guaranteed Buy-Back products, improved parts pricing and the reduction of delivery time thereof are all assurances that we are committed to grow from strength to strength. A quarter of the dealer network will have undergone significant changes by December, culminating in the opening of further dealerships such as Shelley Beach on KZN’s Hibiscus Coast – a growth point of the country, in the fourth quarter. Peugeot intends being fully up to speed with a group committed and passionate outlets in time for the New Year.”
Peugeot currently operates in 160 countries, but despite selling 1.7 million vehicles in 2012, the PSA Peugeot Citroën alliance was reportedly losing €200-million a month. Even so, it seems Peugeot are dragging themselves out of the mire on the back of the successful 208 (a World Car of the Year finalist), positive performance from the 208 GTI, a record setting run in the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the recently announced RCZ R sports coupé and hopefully the 2014 Peugeot 308.
