Autobarn Member Update
| by Tristan Wiggill
Parts-centric pros
Autobarn members Centpart Motorparts
commenced operations in September 2003
in Centurion, Tshwane, as a small independent
retail store. Since then it has mushroomed
into a renowned automotive parts mecca
in the industrial area, servicing the needs of
vehicle owners with a broad range of quality
parts and accessories.
T
he business joined Autobarn two
years ago. “There are a lot of
independent guys out there and it’s
great to be a part of something bigger,”
says owner Luan Visser. “Autobarn’s
business ideals and values fit in with my
own personal views and I like the fact that
Autobarn does not dictate any terms to
me.”
Belonging to the Autobarn network has
given Luan additional responsibilities.
“Apart from being an Autobarn member, I
am also on the Autobarn member council
and provide regular feedback to members
on general industry developments, parts
pricing and other issues. It’s an important
job that I take seriously, as it helps to
ensure the continued success and growth
of the buying group.”
While Centparts stocks fast-moving service
parts as well as accessories, tools, car
care products, workshop equipment and
➲ Centparts is positioned along a strip in Centurion described as a
“micro automotive industry”
“Autobarn membership means the business
supplies well-known brands including
Shell and Castrol, Ferodo, Partquip, GUD
and Echlin among others,” explains Visser.
“The Centpart sales team has more than
75 years of combined experience in the
motor parts industry,” he adds.
➲ Owner Luan Visser says
customer service is key
engine overhaul parts, Luan maintains
that the business is a parts retail focused
enterprise. “I’ve always said: A spares shop
is a spares shop. So we make sure that we
stock quality spares, from A to Z.”
What are the requirements of his
customers? “We’ve found that the guys
want better quality parts, not cheaper
ones,” he maintains. “Stocking name
brand s is therefore important - our client
base consists of private individuals,
workshops and the do-it-yourself
technicians - the last thing we want are
comebacks from inferior goods,” he states.
Through its website, the company is also
able to interact with a wider, nationwide
customer base. “We have five delivery
vehicles and employ 13 people, so we
can source and deliver parts to just about
anywhere.”
Customer service is a priority at Centparts.
“We pride ourselves on supplying the best
quality products that are available at great
prices and we back this up with top service.
As the saying goes, the customer is King,
and so we always strive to give them a
great deal.”
With a customer-centric attitude
and Autobarn assistance, the
future looks rosy for Centparts
Motorspares.
➲ Staff are friendly and highly experienced
For more information on Autobarn, contact Terry Brand on 011 477 3612.
| words in action
34
june 2014