COMPANY PROFILE
2014
McCarthy Volkswagen
A motor retailing master-class
company profile
A motor retailing master-class Editorial: Tim Hands Production: Ajuanne Payne
The McCarthy Volkswagen heritage is one which proudly spans almost eight decades, over which time McCarthy Retail Limited has grown to become one of the largest and most well respected motor retailers in the world. McCarthy Limited is a member of the Bidvest Group, whose Automotive arm has a trading history in South Africa going back more than 100 years, itself an industry leader and innovator through its setting of the national standard in technical training, rapid adoption of online motor retailing and the development of sophisticated systems to drive customer service.
Across the 11 dealerships the group holds nationally, with bases in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KZN and the Cape, perhaps the most common thread to the McCarthy buying experience is the importance placed on the quality vehicles on offer, alongside a dedication to the most professional of services. This extends across the comprehensive parts and accessories provisions that each of these dealerships is able to offer, as well as full and expert services to keep even the busiest of customers on the road in all weather. Among its most successful ventures, however, is its Mastercars programme, offering buyers carefully vetted used vehicles that conform to a rigorous set of standards. Taking the three crucial facets of buying a used car, McCarthy provides confidence,
PAGE 2 MAY 14
peace of mind and satisfaction to those who buy one of these Volkswagens, all of which are either demo or used vehicles within the manufacturer’s warranty. Testament to how attractive a proposition this is, a diverse and extensive range of Mastercars is available at its certified dealerships, assured by a full service history backed by one of these authorised dealers. Boasting the most comprehensive warranties in the industry, an 80 point mechanical check and certified mileage of these ownership guaranteed cars, it is little surprise that McCarthy has seen a huge demand in the uptake of these vehicles. On the flip side of its business, McCarthy Volkswagen is also committed to remaining at the very forefront of the range of vehicles it is able to
McCarthy Volkswagen
MAY 14 PAGE 3
company profile
“The main draw is that we can add value to a customer’s operation”
offer to its customers nationally, not least in the new Golf R. The fastest production hatchback that Volkswagen has ever built, the vehicle is crammed full of performance and engineering, boasting a reworked version of the 2.0-litre turbo in the GTI, with power increased by 79bhp to 296bhp. This allows the Golf R to promise 0-60mph in under five seconds; while McCarthy’s extensive staff base is permanently on hand to each and every valued owner to offer the very latest tips and expertise, in order to keep these premium vehicles in prime condition, all year round. Of course, just as its expertise allows McCarthy to confidently advise on the very latest and most technically complex vehicles, this knowledge is applied just as effectively to the most steadfast and familiar members of the Volkswagen range. The Caddy perhaps best embodies the reliable, tough and economical characteristics so desperately sought in fleets that also provide a car-like convenience and design: models are available in short or long wheelbase, a van or seven-seater passenger carrier, efficient diesel or ultraefficient BlueMotion, manual or seven speed DSG automatic. Also, crucially, this is a van in which
PAGE 4 MAy 14
its owners can place full trust, and one which has recently been named the most reliable in its class by the independent Fleet News 50 report, in part due to an Electronic Stability Programme that combines a traction control system and antilock braking system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Electronic Differential Lock, all of which combine to prevent swerving or skidding and, of course, offer an infinitely more pleasant and comfortable drive. No matter the new owner’s choice of car, McCarthy recognises a factor so often overlooked in the process of making this type of purchase, and that is the need for each owner to be made to feel unique. To achieve this, McCarthy refers to the vehicle’s ‘ego’ and ensures that each step of the process is as personalised as possible. Beginning with the situation of each dealership, all of which are in the most convenient locations, all after sales staff are qualified and trained to VWSA standards, and only operate VWSA approved equipment at each location. Normal routine services also include a crucial check of vehicle electronics, with the VAS5051B, the introduction of which has seen a significant reduction in the time required
McCarthy Volkswagen for finding any faults that may be present in the vehicles. Additionally, a 12 month guarantee on labour is on offer at all dealerships, with the guarantee that this is a Volkswagen that will remain a Volkswagen, through the use of genuine parts each equipped with their own 12 month guarantee. Its affiliation to the Bidvest Group seems a perfect pairing, with this colossal company, operating over five continents with a staff base of 137,000, retaining the determination and commitment evident in a small business heart. There is a strong focus here on empowering people, building relationships and improving lives, testified yet further in its rating as one of the top 50 Empowering companies in the 2008 EmpowerDEX survey. There is, predictably given McCarthy’s hard-earned reputation, a policy of quality service and parts support, provided to both private and fleet buyers, while on-site access to financial services throughout its nationwide network of more than 100 dealers underpins the ability to secure one-stop positioning. This all combines to aid McCarthy to remain at the forefront of its particular field, offering the very best in sales and support across the nation. With the Volkswagen Polo Vivo having garnered the ‘People’s Choice’ at the 2013 Standard Bank People’s Wheels Award, alongside a comprehensive range of highly soughtafter Mastercars and the very latest in new vehicle offerings, McCarthy looks perfectly placed to offer its unparalleled expertise and passion to more and more customers seeking their own dream car.
.
Insurance products that keep you moving. Warranties Maintenance Plan Bodyguard Tyreguard Auto Settlement Shortfall Protection Veridot Comprehensive Insurance
Get Covered Today!
0861 66 88 88 www.bidvestinsurance.co.za Insurance products offered by McCarthy are underwritten by Bidvest Insurance Ltd, Bidvest Life Ltd, and Bidvest Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd.
MAY 14 PAGE 5
www.mccarthyvw.co.za
(0)1603 618 000 info@industrysa.com East Coast Promotions Ltd, Ferndale Business Centre, 1 Exeter Street. Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4QB