Isuzu wins Manufacturer of the Year Award

Isuzu Motors South Africa (Isuzu) was recently named as the Overall Manufacturer of the Year at the 2020 Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards.

Isuzu scooped the Gold Award through the attainment of the highest results in both the leasing and the rental categories, attaining scores of 76,1% and 83,9% respectively. The company’s overall score was 80% – more than 6% and 8% higher than the closest competitors, thus ensuring Isuzu’s dominance at the awards function.

SAVRALA members manage close to 400 000 vehicles a year in South Africa. The prestigious annual industry awards reward vehicle manufacturers for the level of service and support provided to the rental and leasing sector.

To determine the winners of the SAVRALA awards, more than 30 of the largest rental and leasing companies in South Africa complete comprehensive surveys during the year, covering 36 criteria spread over various areas of business – including communication and contact with the manufacturers, support on both a manufacturer and dealer level, maintenance issues, various financial aspects and Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) compliance.

In addition, Isuzu’s Geraldine Pillay was awarded third place in the Top Leasing Account Executive category at the awards.

According to Craig Uren, Isuzu senior vice president vehicles sales, services and marketing, the company, which predominantly sells commercial vehicles, has placed great emphasis on quality support and service over the last three years. “We are committed to ensuring that customers receive superior service from Isuzu. We are immensely proud of the recognition given to Isuzu’s Fleet Operations department, and the entire Isuzu team, by the rental and leasing industry,” said Uren.

Organisers attribute Isuzu’s win in the rental category of the SAVRALA awards to the vehicle manufacturer’s favourable service level evaluations, as well as its level one BBBEE rating – the best achievement to date by a participating manufacturer in the MOTY awards. Earlier this year Isuzu was awarded its automotive industry-leading level one BBBEE scorecard, which is not only testament to Isuzu’s commitment to transformation as a business imperative but also aligns to South Africa’s transformational and economic progression goals.

“We remain committed to providing support to our customers and partners in the rental and leasing industry. It really comes down to the relationships we have built and the trust our partners have in the Isuzu brand, and being there for our customers for the long run,” said Uren.

Also this year Isuzu was voted “The brand which has the best salespeople” in a survey conducted by Cars.co.za as part of its annual Ownership Satisfaction Survey conducted in 2019. Vehicle owners who bought a vehicle were asked about their experience in terms of the salesperson’s professionalism, friendliness, (perceived) honesty, product knowledge, and how well extras such as insurance, on-the-road costs etc were explained, as well as the salesperson’s overall communication with customers.