The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a key association under the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has taken an inspired step forward in member engagement with the launch of its new Ride & Drive initiative—an innovative and refreshingly interactive approach to connecting with stakeholders in the motor body repair (MBR) sector.
Rolled out in KwaZulu-Natal with the generous backing of premium vehicle group, Supertech, the Ride & Drive experience has already proven to be a resounding success. Blending the thrill of a luxury test drive with the warmth of community engagement, the programme exemplifies SAMBRA’s renewed focus on fostering relationships and supporting its members beyond traditional touchpoints.
A New Road to Connection
The first of these special events took place on 7 May 2025, kicking off at the Supertech BMW dealership in Pietermaritzburg. Spearheaded by SAMBRA National Chairman Dev Moodley, KZN Regional Vice Chair Brett Winter, and Supertech Group’s ARC Manager Selven Govender, the event gathered SAMBRA members for a scenic drive through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, culminating in a relaxed luncheon in the tranquil surrounds of Howick.
“The drive left many of our members in awe of the new technology and comfort available in the BMW executive range,” said Moodley. “But beyond that, it gave us the chance to meaningfully engage with our members in an environment that encouraged open dialogue and genuine connection.”
So successful was the inaugural event that a second followed shortly after—on 2 July 2025—this time beginning at BMW Shelly Beach and winding its way to the iconic Wild Coast for another memorable afternoon of conversation, cuisine, and camaraderie.
Powering Partnerships
At the heart of each Ride & Drive is a deepening of industry relationships—among peers, partners, and service providers. Moodley used each occasion to share regional updates and reinforce SAMBRA’s ongoing commitment to member-first programming. His message was clear: in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, relationships matter more than ever.
He offered heartfelt thanks to the Supertech Group for their unwavering support. “In these trying economic times, we deeply value partnerships that foster growth in both our fields—including critical areas like spare supply and diagnostic tooling,” said Moodley. “SAMBRA takes comfort in acknowledging your leadership and your willingness to extend yourselves unconditionally in support of the MBR sector.”
A Team Effort
Moodley also paid tribute to the behind-the-scenes efforts of SAMBRA’s KZN Regional Representative, Kevin Abrahams, whose hands-on coordination has been instrumental in bringing the Ride & Drive concept to life.
“Kevin has truly extended himself in bringing the Ride & Drive initiative to life,” said Moodley. “His consistent drive to deliver meaningful engagement and value to the MBR community in the region is greatly appreciated.”
Supertech Group’s senior leadership also received well-deserved recognition. Both Selven and Anthony Govender were praised for their active and enthusiastic participation, with Moodley describing the team as “well-oiled” and deeply aligned in purpose.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Selven Govender added: “We believe in the power of strong industry partnerships. The Ride & Drive initiative was a great way for us to engage with the SAMBRA network in a meaningful way. These kinds of events are not just about driving beautiful cars—they are about driving relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating a more connected automotive industry.”
Expanding the Horizon
Buoyed by the enthusiastic feedback from its KZN members, SAMBRA now has its sights set on rolling out the Ride & Drive initiative nationally, promising more opportunities for engagement, insight-sharing, and community building across South Africa.
“This is a shining example of a new, member-centric SAMBRA—one that listens, values input and creates innovative ways to bring us closer to our members,” Moodley concluded.
With the wheels firmly in motion and strong partnerships fueling its journey, SAMBRA’s Ride & Drive initiative is set to become a cornerstone of its future-forward strategy—proving that sometimes, the best conversations really do happen on the road.
