Suzuki Auto South Africa proudly claimed two prestigious honours at the annual South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards for 2024. The 29th edition of this esteemed event, held on 24 October in Johannesburg, celebrated top-performing vehicle manufacturers across South Africa’s rental, leasing, and fleet management sectors. Suzuki was awarded the title of the overall most improved Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), while Fleet Aftersales Controller Sarah Burkey was named the best account executive of the year.
The MOTY Awards are highly respected in South Africa, representing an industry that operates an extensive combined fleet of around 600,000 vehicles through companies such as Avis, Budget, Bidvest, Cabs Car Hire, Europcar, Hertz, Tempest, Woodford, and Xtreme Car Rental. This figure represents nearly 20% of all new vehicles sold annually in South Africa, making the recognition Suzuki received particularly significant within such a competitive field.
Suzuki Auto South Africa was selected as the most improved OEM following a rigorous, data-driven review process conducted through two surveys involving over 47 of the largest car rental and leasing companies in the country. The evaluations took into account a comprehensive set of criteria, including the quality of vehicles, competitive pricing, punctual delivery, service turnaround time, theft prevention strategies, residual values, and parts pricing and availability. Suzuki’s performance in these areas demonstrated impressive progress over the past year, ultimately earning them the coveted title of the most improved OEM.
Yashvir Singh, Manager of Auto Fleet Sales at Suzuki Auto South Africa, expressed the team’s excitement over the recognition. “We are thrilled to receive this award,” Singh shared. “SAVRALA’s extensive list of members currently operates a combined fleet of around 600,000 vehicles through various rental and leasing channels – nearly a fifth of all new vehicles sold in South Africa every year. The fact that Suzuki Auto South Africa, especially after such a thorough vetting process, was chosen as its most improved OEM is a testament not just to our products, but our people and operations too.”
Further elevating Suzuki’s standing in the fleet sector, Fleet Aftersales Controller Sarah Burkey was honored as MOTY’s best account executive for 2024. This award, based on combined votes from 24 rental companies, highlights her outstanding contributions to the industry and her dedication to fostering client relationships. Burkey herself expressed a deep sense of appreciation and pride, stating, “It is a huge honour to have been selected as well as a complete shock. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone involved within Suzuki Auto South Africa. It’s been an absolute privilege working with some of the rental industry’s most instrumental customers, and being acknowledged for our efforts means we are doing something right. Moving ahead, we will continue to apply the same ethics and strive for further improvement.”
This dual recognition at the MOTY Awards underscores Suzuki Auto South Africa’s commitment to excellence in the fleet and rental industry. By continuously enhancing service quality, optimizing operations, and strengthening client relationships, Suzuki is setting new standards and building a reputation for reliability, customer service, and innovation in South Africa’s competitive automotive market.
