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