Cape Town, South Africa – 8 April 2025
Volkswagen South Africa hosted its prestigious 32nd Grand Prix Awards Ceremony at the scenic Vergelegen Wine Estate in Cape Town last week, paying tribute to the outstanding achievements of its dealer network. The annual event is a cornerstone of the brand’s legacy, celebrating the unwavering commitment, exceptional service, and sales excellence that underpin Volkswagen’s leadership in the South African automotive market.
This year’s celebration recognised 72 high-performing members of the Volkswagen dealer network, across 17 competitive categories. Among the most anticipated accolades of the evening were the Dealer of the Year, Macro Dealer Group of the Year, and Dealer Group of the Year awards—each honouring the individuals and teams whose efforts have left an indelible mark on the brand’s performance over the past year.
A Landmark Achievement for Ryan Brews
The spotlight shone brightly on Ryan Brews of Hatfield Volkswagen Melrose Arch, who walked away with the Dealer of the Year Award—a first-time win in this top-tier category. This accolade acknowledges dealerships that consistently deliver across all key business areas, from customer satisfaction and operational excellence to sales volume and brand representation.
Brews’ triumph is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the high-performing culture at Hatfield Volkswagen Melrose Arch, where customer focus and consistent execution set the standard.
Hatfield Group’s Reign Continues
Proving that excellence is not an accident but a hallmark of discipline and strategy, Hatfield Group once again clinched the Macro Dealer Group of the Year Award—for the eighth consecutive year. Accepted by Michael Kaftel, the award underscores Hatfield Group’s pivotal role in the Volkswagen network, contributing at least 8% of total dealer sales nationwide.
This remarkable achievement solidifies the group’s status as a performance powerhouse and a key player in Volkswagen’s ongoing success story.
CFAO Group Celebrated for Dealer Group Excellence
Also recognised on the night was Kevin Pillay of the CFAO Group, who accepted the Dealer Group Award on behalf of his team. This award celebrates a collective commitment to supporting the Volkswagen brand through operational efficiency, customer service, and strategic alignment.
The CFAO Group continues to be a trusted partner in driving brand equity and long-term growth across the network.
A Legacy of Excellence
Reflecting on the occasion, Niels Wichmann, Head of Brand for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, praised the vital role of the dealer network in the brand’s continued dominance.
“Volkswagen’s unparalleled success in South Africa rests upon the unwavering foundation of our esteemed dealer network. Their relentless dedication, exemplary service, and profound passion not only sustain our market leadership but also elevate the Volkswagen legacy. We gather to honour their tireless efforts and steadfast commitment to excellence, a pledge that continues to drive our brand forward.”
As the awards evening came to a close, Wichmann added:
“This is the power of partnership, where excellence becomes tradition, and dedication writes the next chapter of our success.”
The Volkswagen Grand Prix Awards remain a testament to the strength and resilience of a dealer network that not only meets expectations but consistently exceeds them—setting new benchmarks year after year.
