Today sees the official opening of the all-new Rola Motors Commercial Vehicles Helderberg, a DaimlerChrysler market centre within the Rola Motor Group (RMG).

After continuous excellent sales performance, it was decided to convert Rola Motors Commercial Vehicles Helderberg from an independent dealership that sold only Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and Mitsubishi FUSOs, to a market centre, which now also includes the Freightliner brand.

The confidence of the relationship between Rola Motors and DaimlerChrysler South Africa (DCSA) is signified by a total investment of R18 million into the new facility.

“Construction commenced in early 2006, and after a very busy period, we are now extremely proud of our completed facilities,” says Etienne van Dyk, Dealer Principal of the facility.

Rola Motors Commercial Vehicles Helderberg services, amongst others, rental companies, fuel logistics, distribution and delivery service clients. These clients are sure to find access to the new facility easy and convenient as it is situated in a superior complex on approximately 9 500 m² just off the N2 highway.

There is also ample parking, with 127 distinct parking bays for the extra-heavy trucks, medium and light commercial vehicles. Upon arrival, customers are made to feel comfortable by sales employees in a modern, airy and bright 3 448 m² building.

“There was little expense spared to develop Rola Motors into a premium facility, and with our employees having the right attitude, right frame of mind and passion for all the brands, levels of service are destined to improve on an already strong performance. We are extremely excited at the prospects for the future, and how the new facility will allow us to provide our customers with excellent service levels,” says van Dyk.

The employee complement at Rola Motors Commercial Vehicles Helderberg now totals at 41 individuals.

Training for employees is an ongoing activity, focusing on the following areas: Technical product training, diagnostic training, driver training, and sales and administration training.

In addition, apprentices undergo a three-phase training course to upgrade their skills.

Qualified technicians go through in-house computer-based training in conjunction with DCSA classroom lectures on all products that cover three phases: Maintenance, systems and electronic diagnosis.

Parts sales are imperative in the trucking industry and the new facility gives special attention to parts allocation to ensure that the process is managed on time to minimise customer downtime. This is done via DCSA’s Distribution National Inventory (DNI) system. Rola Motors houses a comprehensive parts inventory.

The ventilated workshops are divided into various sections, for vans, medium trucks, heavy trucks and buses. There are 14 workshop bays, with service equipment, all conveniently placed to be immediately available to the technicians, leading to a good service turnaround time.

“We feel it imperative to reinforce to our customers that we consider endorse good fleet management practices such as regular service and maintenance with original spare parts,” said Van Dyk.

Finance and insurance services are managed by DaimlerChrysler Financial Services (DCFS). DCFS is the only stand-alone truck finance company in South Africa, and the largest truck financier in the world.

Rola Motors have been awarded the coveted DaimlerChrysler Dealer of the Year and Chairman’s Award for a number of years since 1995. Consistent excellence in sales and service has seen Rola Motors receive these awards year after year.

“Satisfied customers are vital for us and with our new facility we commit to offer a superior level of service,” said Van Dyk.