Warren van Rensburg assumes mantle of dealer principal at Motus Isuzu Kimberley

In a tale that epitomises passion, dedication and a lifelong love for the automotive industry, Warren van Rensburg embarks on a new chapter as the dealer principal at Motus Isuzu Kimberley.

IN A TALE that epitomises passion, dedication and a lifelong love for the automotive industry, Warren van Rensburg embarks on a new chapter as the dealer principal at Motus Isuzu Kimberley.

Warren’s journey began as a young driver in Boksburg, where he quickly developed a fascination for automobiles and their ability to connect people and places. Little did he know that this fascination would fuel a career spanning over two decades, marked by remarkable achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

After a brief stint in the UK, Warren returned to South Africa and seized an opportunity at his uncle’s dealership in Boksburg. Starting as a driver, he soon demonstrated an innate talent for understanding customers’ needs and preferences. Recognising his potential, the dealership offered him a promotion to salesman just two years later. This marked the beginning of Warren’s journey into the world of automotive sales and customer relations.

Warren’s flair for connecting with people and making their motoring dreams come true became evident as he embarked on a new chapter with Citroen and Kia Boksburg, part of the then Imperial Group. For six years he thrived in the fast-paced environment, honing his skills and building valuable relationships that would shape his career.

During this time, Warren’s passion for the industry grew exponentially and he realised that the automotive sector was not just a profession but a calling he had come to cherish.

It was a significant decision for Warren when he chose to return to his roots in Kimberley. Southey Street Volkswagen, now known as NTT Volkswagen, presented him with an opportunity to serve his community while pursuing his passion for cars. The nurturing environment and exceptional leadership at NTT Volkswagen allowed Warren to flourish and evolve both personally and professionally.

Carved a niche

Over the course of twelve years, Warren carved a niche for himself, creating lasting bonds with customers and earning their trust. He understood that the automotive industry was not just about selling vehicles; it was about guiding individuals through significant milestones in their lives, be it buying their first car, servicing it for the first time or upgrading to accommodate their growing family or business needs.

As Warren’s love for the industry blossomed, so did his desire to take on greater responsibilities and lead his own team. The role of dealer principal had been a long-term ambition for Warren since he entered the automotive world over two decades ago. The opportunity to manage Motus Isuzu Kimberley, a dealership with a strong reputation in the market, and add Isuzu Trucks to the product range was a riveting prospect he simply could not resist.

Warren’s appointment as dealer principal at Motus Isuzu Kimberley is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and a steadfast commitment to the automotive industry. To him, this role represents more than a career milestone; it is a profound opportunity to shape the future of dealerships and elevate the customer experience to new heights.

As dealer principal, Warren envisions Motus Isuzu Kimberley as not just a place to buy or service vehicles but as a trusted partner in the motoring journey of every customer. He understands that the success of a dealership hinges on customer satisfaction and, more importantly, building long-term relationships.

Warren firmly believes that customer loyalty is earned not just through exceptional products but also by delivering exceptional service, support and care.

One of Warren’s primary goals as dealer principal is to ensure that every interaction with the dealership leaves a lasting positive impression on customers. He emphasises the importance of going beyond the ordinary and providing a seamless and joyful experience to clients from the moment they step into the showroom until long after their purchase or service.

Streamline dealership operations

Warren envisions a dealership where the staff is not just knowledgeable and professional but also passionate about making every customer feel valued and respected.

To achieve his vision, Warren plans to streamline dealership operations and create a culture of excellence where employees are empowered to be the best versions of themselves. He firmly believes that the success of any dealership is directly tied to the growth and development of its people.

By investing in continual brand employee development, Warren aims to build a team that embodies the core values of Motus Isuzu and reflects those values in every interaction with customers.

In the digital age, where market trends change rapidly, Warren is committed to staying ahead of the curve and adapting to emerging technologies.

“The automotive industry has changed in leaps and bounds since the time I started off as a salesman back in the early 2000s, when we literally wrote out quotations for a client with a pen and paper. The digital age has made interaction with our clientele a much more efficient process, allowed us access to a vast client base around the country and effectively transformed dealership operations year on year,” he says.

Warren recognises the importance of incorporating new marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and gain greater market share. However, he remains grounded in the belief that the key to success lies in maintaining strong ties with the local community.

He plans to support local events and initiatives, nurturing relationships with customers beyond the transactional aspect and reinforcing the dealership’s commitment to being “with you for the long run.”

Sustainability and social responsibility

Beyond customer satisfaction and dealership operations, Warren also recognises the significance of sustainability and social responsibility in today’s world. He is passionate about minimising the dealership’s carbon footprint and actively promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Warren plans to raise awareness among his staff and community about the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

With his extensive experience in the automotive industry, Warren is well aware that the industry is constantly evolving. He is keen to embrace emerging trends and technologies that align with the dealership’s vision and values. As governments worldwide increasingly focus on greener options, Warren is committed to exploring electric modes of transportation and other sustainable initiatives that can make a positive impact on the environment, but he noted that he is still not a big fan of self-driving vehicles just yet.

Warren says, “I want to be known for remodelling the customer experience with a gifted team by maximising our efficiency structures and having the community hold us in the palm of their hands. I aim to make Kimberley proud of one of its sons and gain the admiration of my biggest love of my life, my wife, family and faith in the Lord. As I take over the role from a beloved son of Kimberley, Hannes Joubert, I aspire to honour his legacy here and leave a noteworthy impression that Kimberley Isuzu is not just a place to purchase or service a vehicle, but a significant extended addition to our family and business motoring requirements and ambitions.”

As Warren steps into his role as dealer principal at Motus Isuzu Kimberley, he carries with him not only a wealth of experience but also a heart brimming with passion and a vision to inspire positive change.

His journey from a young driver to a seasoned leader in the automotive industry exemplifies the power of perseverance, dedication, and a genuine love for what one does. The Motus Group and the Isuzu Kimberley team are excited to welcome Warren and look forward to the remarkable achievements and milestones that lie ahead under his visionary leadership.

As he takes the reins, Warren reaffirms the Motus Isuzu commitment – “with you for the long run”.