Autobarn Member Update
| by Tristan Wiggill
Bursting
at the
seams
For the past 18 years Brakpan’s
V&N Motor Spares has supplied the
East Rand with automotive parts
and accessories of the highest
order, subsequently morphing into
➲ The shop is currently receiving a makeover to enhance visibiity
a hugely successful enterprise.
P
roud Autobarn members, V&N
stands for Vijay and Neermala
Govender, a husband and wife
team. Their thriving concern, which
specialises in automotive parts and
accessories retail, is a true family affair,
with the couple’s three daughters Cheryl,
Tanya and Sherzelle all intimately involved
with the day-to-day running of the
business.
In total, 12 members of staff make up the
V&N Motor Spares team, although Vijay is
quick to add that the workforce will likely
be added to and strengthened as the
business continues to expand. Business
is “pumping” at the moment he says
with a smile, so much so that he recently
swallowed up three adjacent properties.
At the moment the entire premises is
undergoing refurbishment and expansion to
lend the business, internally and externally,
a greater degree of professionalism while
enhancing its visibility. The refurbished
double-storey premises is signi ficant in
scope at over 6 000m2 in floor size.
“Ours is a miracle business,” he says
before adding that it all started from
nothing and is now bursting at the seams,
almost unable to cope with demand.
The company’s work ethic reflects this and
is something to behold: V&N Motor Spares
is open seven days a week, and it is not
uncommon for the business to remain open
past midnight and into the wee hours of the
morning during the week!
Vijay decided to join
Autobarn right from
the start, signing up
in July 2012. He’s
known Autobarn’s Terry
Brand for many years,
having been a part of
Mikar in the 2000’s.
“Joining Autobarn has
opened many new
avenues to us,” he says.
“We have been
introduced to new
suppliers that were
unknown to us
previously. In so doing,
we have been exposed
to a range of new spares
and commodities.
➲ Govender family: Vijay, Sherzelle, Keano,
Cheryl and Tanya
Our profit margins have improved, while
the value of our stockholding has also
increased. There is no denying that joining
Autobarn has given us the edge over our
competitors.” An edge these days is of
critical importance, as lots of competition
exists in the area from both large franchise
groups and smaller, independent operators.
“Over the years we have created a sound,
professional relationship with all of our
suppliers and we have flawless payment
records,” he states proudly.
“Our customer base comprises mechanical
workshops, various business entities and
the public at large. Our pricing structure
for retail goods is always affordable and,
obviously, our good name precedes us.
Our good name is derived from the fact
that we only supply quality products at
the most competitive, affordable rates.
But ultimately, our success comes through
our faith and hope in God,” he deduces.
“Vijay has built up an enviable
reputation as a one-stop shop for all
things motoring. Based in Brakpan,
his loyal, and new, customers come
from far and wide. Vijay is on the
Autobarn Member Advisory Council
and his wealth of knowledge is of
great assistance to the Group.” Terry Brand, managing director,
Automotive Brands.
For more information on Autobarn, contact Terry Brand on 011 477 3612.
| words in action
64
november 2014