Pupkewitz Motors has announced it has secured the franchise for Tata vehicles in Namibia, with sales having commenced this month.
Managing director Anton Westraadt says the company has a strategic and long-term approach when evaluating new market opportunities before acquiring a franchise.
He says Tata was selected for its strong value proposition and proven reliability.
“You may ask, what is our strategy? Do we simply continue to open businesses? The answer is no.
“We take a long-term view. We carefully analyse the market to ensure there is a genuine gap and sufficient demand in that gap. This is very important,” Westraadt says.
He says Tata vehicles were chosen for their affordability, Euro four- and five-star safety ratings, and overall reliability, noting the brand would help meet growing demand in the local market for durable and cost-effective vehicles.
On the issue of competition from Japanese imports and grey-market vehicles, Westraadt says the company has deliberately chosen not to participate in that segment, citing the importance of long-term support and after-sales service.
“It is a massive market, but when we represent a brand or sell a product, long-term support and after-sales service are crucial.
It would not be possible to buy and sell grey imports while guaranteeing customers support for the next 10 years,” he says.
Westraadt says while Pupkewitz Motors supplies standard service parts such as oils, filters, and spark plugs through its Goldwagen franchise, it does not provide engine components for grey-market vehicles.
“Aside from buying a house, a vehicle is probably the second most expensive thing someone will buy in their life.
We want to take the customer’s hand and support them by providing parts and service throughout that investment,” he says.
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