aBr November 2014 | Page 38

Pioneering partners F&M Auto Services, otherwise known to the polite people of Swaziland as e-CAR Swaziland, is a pioneering story of success in the minute ➲ The F&M Auto Services team is friendly and enthusiastic African country. L ocated in Manzini, the business is the first of its kind in the country and, since 2012, has worn the bright green e-CAR colours with pride. The business is ably managed by Tafadzwa Mapfeka and owner Franco Colasuonno who also heads up Diesel-Electric Swaziland, which is located five minutes away in the interests of convenience. It is a fantastic setup since the e-CAR’s network of preferred branded parts can be collected as and when required, while parts bought at Diesel-Electric can be fitted almost immediately. Tafadzwa says that parts are collected or dropped off from DieselElectric as frequently as five times a day. Diesel-Electric is also the only accredited Bosch product wholesaler in Swaziland. The name of the business is derived from a combination of these two gentleman’s names and specialises in mechanical and auto electrical repairs. In total seven staff members are involved, with two technicians, one auto electrician, assistants and reception staff all ensuring that F&M ➲ Personalised attention is always given Auto’s customers receive the best possible service. The business predominantly services passenger cars and some light commercial vehicles whose factory warranties have lapsed, with Volkswagen, Toyota and Isuzu bakkies frequently in the workshop. ➲ The clean reception area showcases e-CAR’s preferred supplier brands Tafadzwa adds that the car parc in Swaziland is highly varied, with obscure models imported from Japan making it difficult to find appropriate parts. Flyers and pamphlets are distributed from both F&M Auto Services and from Diesel-Electric, where referrals are made directly from the counters. He says that business is stable and continues to increase as awareness of the business improves. Another benefit is that the e-CAR website and traffic from Google searches has also driven business to his door. Taking the initiative, Tafadzwa has implemented several loyalty programmes and sales promotions to keep his loyal customers happy and coming back for more. Branded e-CAR merchandise is handed out and price discounts are given on follow-up services to those customers that refer his business to their friends. At the time we visited him the business was in the midst of a summer tune up promotion which included free engine, suspension and transmission checks as well as a free battery check. Tafadzwa is very complimentary of the Bosch KTS diagnostic equipment the business uses, explaining that this is a competitive advantage for F&M Auto Services. “Our competitors don’t have this advanced Bosch equipment which is more accurate and far more comprehensive than anything else on the market. We find that our competitors are forced to send their customers to us when they require detailed print outs and expert interpretation.” He says his customers always prefer name brands when it comes to replacement parts, which e-CAR promotes thanks to its relationship with its preferred suppliers. Tafadzwa concluded the meeting with us by saying he was proud to be part of the e-CAR network and fully recommends the concept which he describes as “ingenious”. To join the fastest growing workshop network in South Africa and to add a new dimension to your business, contact Wilfried Langenbach at 086 000 3227 (086 000 e-CAR) | words in action 36 november 2014