Volvo Group Southern Africa has officially opened the company’s new flagship dealership for Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks in Bloemfontein.

Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks South Africa said that the new facility was the first of its kind in the region to be specifically planned and developed to reflect the company’s multi-brand portfolio.

“All the brands within the Volvo Group are equally important to us.  We believe that the respective brands have unique products offerings with specific characteristics and capabilities that address and appeal to a definite set of customers,” said Coolsaet.

“This facility reflects this business approach and at the same time incorporates the Group’s core values of quality, safety and environmental care in a very effective way.”

This new facility, which was developed at an investment of R45 million, was specifically developed to provide state-of-the-art support for Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks fleet owners who operate across the region.

The dealership is strategically situated next to the N8 route that connects Upington, Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Maseru in Lesotho, and also close to other major transport corridors including the N1 between Cape Town and Gauteng and Limpopo.

“We are seeing a lot of economic growth potential in the region, and we are proud to have made this investment in order to more effectively support our customers operating in the area,” said Torbjörn Christensson, President of Volvo Group Southern Africa.

“We believe that if you want to grow your market share, your aftermarket service has to be outstanding. We are therefore fortunate to have such a strong team of experts at the new dealership in Bloemfontein.”

The Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks dealer in Bloemfontein originally started out as Swedish Truck Distributors in 1995 with a staff compliment of five.

Since becoming a wholly-owned Volvo Trucks dealership in 2000, the facility has grown its business to selling up to 50 units a month with 37 well-trained technical, sales, aftermarket and support staff to provide Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks customers with world-class quality products and services.

The past 20 months have been eventful for Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks, as the company successfully launched new product line-ups for both brands during this period.

Both brands experienced their best sales performance ever during 2014, and the company is therefore excited about the future of Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks in the Free State region.

“As one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, we focus a lot of attention on aspects such as advanced training, the innovative use of technology, communication, financial and business guidance, as well the implementation of international best practices, in order to enhance our dealers’ service to our customers,” explained Christensson.

He said that due the current economic climate, fleet operators are now even more focussed on keeping their fleets’ operating costs down.

“Fleet owners therefore need trucks and services that are optimised for their own business models and their own specific applications. They also have big expectations in terms of proximity to the dealer network, both with regards to service, availability of parts, but also for meaningful and durable relationships with truck experts,” said Coolsaet.

“That is why we believe that this new facility in Bloemfontein, will go a long way in addressing these market requirements in a very efficient, productive and timely way.”

The Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks Bloemfontein dealership offers a complete spectrum of truck sales, service, maintenance, finance and parts support.

In addition, the dealership also offers brake roller testing, 24-hour roadside assistance and parts availability, lifting equipment, auto-electrical repairs as well as convenient drivers’ restrooms.

The dealership also services and maintains around 420 trucks a month, which includes onsite servicing at some key fleet customers.

Volvo Trucks & Renault Trucks Bloemfontein is situated at Farm 44 on Gemsbok Road, Kwaggafontein.