CMH Kempster Ford Pretoria North – Empowering and encouraging women to pursue a career in the automotive industry, should they have a passion for it.
So, you are a female and have a passion for cars or interest in the automotive industry and perhaps you are wondering if there is a place for you in the motor world? In that case, we are delighted to be the messenger of excellent news! There is absolutely and there is no reason why you shouldn’t pursue your dreams and chase a career in something that you are passionate about.
“The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has called on the South African retail motor industry to accelerate gender equality in the retail motor sector in observance of International Women’s Day 2019.”
We are proud to say that we consist of numerous females working at CMH Kempster Ford Pretoria North, from our workshop department to sales executives, admin and management.
Our service manager, Lizanne Kruger, enthusiastically encourages women to follow their dreams and to never give up, believe in yourself and don’t allow anyone to ever make you feel as if you are not worthy enough.
We interviewed our female sales executives to give you the inside story and to tell you a bit more about them.
Bella Motshegwa:
- How long have you been in the industry? I have been in the motor industry for almost four years.
- What do you love the most about your job? My job is flexible and one is not office bound to do the job, I like to travel and meet new people.
- What is your favourite vehicle? The Ford Mustang is my favourite vehicle as it is a high performance car with a big engine and is very comfortable.
- What is the biggest challenge you face? The challenge we are facing in motor industry is clients who do not commit, clients who are blacklisted or the clients who get approval but just never come to fetch the car. The economic situation is also affecting the business.
- What word of advice would you give to women that want to work in the automotive industry? The motor industry is not as cosy as it looks, you have to be passionate about your job, have a good attitude, and network a lot.
- Why should people buy from you? I give each every customer I meet the best service.
Martha Mabuso:
- How long have you been in the industry? I have been in the industry for about 3 years now.
- What do you love the most about your job? Getting to meet new people daily, learning new things daily and being in charge of my business (unlimited earning power).
- What is your favourite vehicle? The Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
- What is the biggest challenge you face? Having to lose a deal after putting efforts in closing it.
- What word of advice will you give to women that wants to work in the automotive industry? You must take charge and work hard regardless of all the negativity you might encounter as you can still achieve whatever you want to as long as you are determined and passionate about your job.
- Why should people buy from you? I don’t just sell to make money, I empathise with a customer and build a trusting relationship.
Maggy Mokoto:
- How long have you been in the industry? 7 YEARS
- What do you love the most about your job? I’m promoting a brand that I am passionate about.
- What is your favourite Ford vehicle? The Ford Ranger Wildtrak
- What is the biggest challenge you face? Not making my target / not getting enough business or clients.
- What word of advice will you give to women that wants to work in the automotive industry? You have to be passionate about your job.
- Why should people buy from you? I offer the best service and I’m unique.
Petra van Dyk:
- How long have you been in the industry? For about 15 years.
- What do you love the most about your job? Working with people and helping them to purchase the best vehicle that fits their wants and needs.
- What is your favourite vehicle? The Ford Everest.
- What is the biggest challenge you face? Getting more clients on board.
- What word of advice will you give to women that wants to work in the automotive industry? You can do anything you put your mind to, be persistent and NEVER GIVE UP!!
- Why should people buy from you? I build good business relationships with clients and believe in good customer service – I never let my clients down.
Tumi Lefaladi:
- How long have you been in the industry? 2 years
- What do you love the most about your job? Seeing the look on customer faces on the delivery day, making a difference in people’s lives as well as the financial rewards.
- What is your favourite vehicle? Ford Focus 2.0 Auto Trend
- What is the biggest challenge you face? The financial environment
- What word of advice will you give to women that wants to work in the automotive industry? Tenacity is key. You need to work hard and have confidence. If all fails, there is always the next month to start up fresh.
- Why should people buy from you? I take pride in what I do, and I follow through on the promises I make to my clients.
Lidia Pienaar:
- How long have you been in the industry? For about 15 years now.
- What do you love the most about your job? I love working with people. I strive to make each and every customer happy.
- What is your favourite vehicle? The Ford Everest 3.2 Limited
- What is the biggest challenge you face? Being a sales executive can be quite stressful.
- What word of advice will you give to women that wants to work in the automotive industry? Go for it! Make sure you know your product and if you are not sure be honest about it.
- Why should people buy from you? I’m loyal and I keep in touch with my clients even after they took delivery of their vehicle.
“If you look around in the dealerships you will notice that it is becoming more and more common to see woman working in this industry nowadays simply because we can!” Lizanne Kruger
Source: www.misa.org.za