After a long wait since 1988, Hino Tshwane has finally ended the drought of major accolades by clinching the Hino South Africa’s Dealer of the Year Award for 2023, celebrated at the prestigious event in Johannesburg. The last dealership from the capital to win this honor was Imperial Toyota Trucks in Pretoria North. Following a relocation in 2014 to a more spacious location in Pretoria West, it now operates as one of the three dealerships within the Motus Hino Group.
At the helm of Hino Tshwane’s success is Dealer Principal Brandon Wegner, who comes from a lineage deeply embedded in the automotive industry. His father, Brian O’Connor Wegner, was a notable figure in local vehicle manufacturing. Brandon recalls his early experiences in the automotive world, visiting a truck and car dealership in Pretoria West with his father. Coincidentally, it’s right next to the current location of Hino Tshwane.
Under Brandon’s leadership, Hino Tshwane not only secured the Dealer of the Year Award but also achieved a significant milestone by selling over 200 trucks in a year for the first time in a decade. He attributes this success to the zeal and dedication of the 28-strong team, emphasizing the crucial role of the core leadership in enhancing customer service continually.
With 16 years under his belt with Hino, Brandon oversees a veteran team including a parts manager with 35 years of service, and both a parts salesperson and a truck sales executive who have dedicated 36 years to the industry. The team’s learning strategy includes listening to customers and internal stakeholders, participating in formal training at the Toyota Africa Learning Academy and Motus training center, and engaging in hands-on training led by managerial staff.
The Hino Tshwane facility boasts a comprehensive service center equipped with six 22-meter work bays, dedicated areas for various repairs, an engine overhaul room, a wash bay, and an overhead crane. A wide array of services is provided, including brake testing, wheel alignment, and mobile servicing. Special amenities for drivers waiting on service include showers, and lunch and entertainment vouchers.
Committed to environmental stewardship, Hino Tshwane has earned the Hino ECO 3 Advanced certificate, underscoring its dedication to sustainable practices. Brandon highlights the dealership’s strategic focus on sales, customer service development, and Hino Financial Services, crediting these areas as key to their success and sustainability within the Motus Group.
Their win is seen as a testament to the team’s collaborative effort and dedication to continuous improvement through the Kaizen system. This award reflects not just their hard work but also their intelligent approach to business and customer service.
