MAN Automotive S.A celebrated and acknowledged their stakeholders at their annual Dealer of the year award ceremony on Thursday the 20th of April 2023.

The ceremony dated over 2 decades and is well known in the automotive industry. It is used to promote a culture of excellent performance within the dealerships that sell their vehicles and as well as outstanding performance amongst employees.

“In many companies often, the results of the returns are enjoyed by the shareholders in profit shares. In the industry and at MAN Automotive we have created a culture that rewards all the individuals that work hard to achieve excellence. We see our dealers as our partners not just individuals who sell our brand. We promote a collaboration and foster a culture of unity in hard times and good times”, says Busisiwe Mkwanazi, Marketing and Brand Manager of MAN Automotive (South Africa)

Amongst the industry the achieved awards add credibility to the dealerships reputation for investors and encourages financial support to the individuals that win awards. This accolade makes them well sort after and highlights the expertise needed to go the extra mile in achieving impressive results.

The last award ceremony was held in 2019 before the pandemic, so this year was extra special and bittersweet for MAN Automotive S.A due to saying goodbye to their previous MD, Mr Oliver Klein. 

“Mr Klein is a man that has held our company together in the toughest of times. He joined us during the global lockdown from Germany and regardless of being in a foreign land, he was able to bring us together with a common love for the brand, that has existed for over 200 years globally and 60 years in South Africa. Looking at where we are as a company, he has surely delivered. We will honour him and bid him farewell at this year’s event, which will be his last public appearance,” says Busisiwe Mkwanazi.

It hasn’t been easy for MAN since the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, hence the importance to celebrate those who have made it through and are still working towards building the MAN brand in South Africa.

Moving from 2nd and 3rd place in the market 5th and 6th place has been a tough pill to swallow but during this first quarter of 2023, they are seeing many improvements. This is a clear sign that MAN is in recovery mode, and they are confident that they will start moving up the ladder in market share position.

“With much anticipation and excitement, we also welcomed our new MD, Mr Jan Aichinger. A man with vast experience in the group globally. Known for his turn around strategies and pioneering transitions in new eras, we look forward to a new direction that will steer MAN back to its greater hights,” concludes says Busisiwe Mkwanazi. 

The top dealership award went to MAN in Cape Town and employee of the year went to Annalise Stassen.