Members of the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) gathered at a gala banquet in Sandton on the evening of Friday, 26th of October 2012, to honour and celebrate the crowning of the 2012 SAVRALA Motor Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY), a milestone event that began some 18 years ago in 1995. MOTY has become the benchmark for vehicle manufacturers and importers who supply vehicles to both the car rental and car leasing sectors, where they are rated and judged by the industry on a range of criteria, from build quality, parts and service supply, communication and value, in order to win the coveted SAVRALA MOTY award.

Outgoing President Keri Kirsten, reminded guests of some of the highlights and challenges of the motoring industry in the past year and the challenges that both the industry and the motorist had to face in our country, including the e-Toll saga and the ongoing fuel price increases.

Keri Kirsten also used the opportunity to introduce the new incoming NEC (National Executive Committee) of SAVRALA under the leadership of Marc Corcoran, who had been elected earlier that day at the AGM (Annual General Meeting) held at the Johannesburg Country Club.

SAVRALA’s new NEC for 2012/2013 voted in at the AGM are:
President – Marc Corcoran (Avis)
Vice President – Dawn Nathan-ones (Europcar)
Chairman – Rental – Georg Corbett (Europcar)
Vice Chairman – Rental – Grenville Salmon (Pace)
Chairman – Leasing – Vernen Pillay (Absa)
Vice Chairman – Leasing – Warren Peters (Wesbank)

As a responsible association, the evenings guests were reminded of the successes of their community investment initiative held earlier this year at the Blue Valley Golf course, which raised an impressive R100 000 towards wildlife conservation, supporting the heroic efforts of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, as well as the award-winning Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Organisation. Both the SANParks Honorary Rangers and Ezemvelo are volunteer charity organisations that are heavily involved in preventing rhino poaching as well as all other areas of conservation.

As the award presentation grew closer, excitement ran high amongst manufacturer’s tables with them eagerly awaiting the announcements of the evening’s winners, a trophy much prized by the industry.This year was no exception to this phenomenon and there were once again surprising shifts amongst the brands that ultimately walked away with the silverware.A new award was also added this year, namely ‘Best Manufacturer’s Technical Representative’ which is an indication of what has

become important to both the rental and leasing industries when it comes to gaining a competitive edge over their competition. One thing for certain was that service delivery and unwavering support to their clients ranked amongst the top criteria of the winners.

SAVRALA extends their congratulations to all 2012 MOTY winners:

Manufacturer of the Year Leasing Gold: Volkswagen South Africa
Manufacturer of the Year Leasing Silver: Hyundai Automotive South Africa
Manufacturer of the Year Leasing Bonze: Nissan South Africa

Manufacturer of the Year Rental Gold: Volkswagen South Africa
Manufacturer of the Year Rental Silver: General Motors South Africa
Manufacturer of the Year Rental Bonze: Hyundai Automotive South Africa

Most Improved Leasing: Audi South Africa
Most Improved Rental: General Motors South Africa
Overall Most Improved: Audi South Africa

Overall Manufacturer of the Year Gold: Volkswagen South Africa
Overall Manufacturer of the Year Silver: Hyundai Automotive Motors South Africa
Overall Manufacturer of the Year Bonze: General Motors South Africa

Best Account Executive Leasing: Faan Fourie from Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd
Best Account Executive Rental: Carin Delport from Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd

Best Manufacturer’s Technical Representative Leasing: Lutendo Mudau – Volkswagen South Africa
Best Manufacturer’s Technical Representative Rental: Gareth Tiffin – General Motors South Africa