OSHAKATI -The Governor of Oshana Region, Clemens Kashuupulwa, last Thursday unveiled the newly revamped premises of top motor vehicle dealership Pupkewitz Toyota in Oshakati.
The N$10.8 million premises has been renovated to comply with Toyota Motor Corporation’s high standard to have an appealing sight and to comply with the worldwide standards to uphold the same look and feel at all its franchises across the world. Despite the disruption caused by the construction, the motor vehicle leading company maintained an 89 percent for its sales and 82.5 percent for service.
Pupkewitz Toyota Oshakati, a joint venture between Namibia Development Corporation (NDC) and Pupkewitz Motors (North) (Pty) Ltd, has grown immensely from selling 12 vehicles per month to an average of over 60 vehicles per month since its inception in 2000.
“From a humble start of 12 vehicles per month sold by Pupkewitz North we sell over 60 per month now,” remarked the executive chairman of Pupkewitz Motors (North) Junior Brewer.
Moreover, the business has grown on par with the economy of Oshakati by extending its workshop and parts facilities servicing over 50 vehicles per day at the town which is said to have the largest number of Toyota vehicles countrywide.
Speaking at the inauguration the executive chairman of Pupkewitz Motors (North), Brewer remarked that customers’ continued support resulted in business growth and expansion, which enabled the franchise to address the national concern of unemployment in the country.
“Our customers’ continued support resulting in business growth and expansion enable us to contribute our small part in addressing one of the national issues, which is unemployment,” said Brewer.
Brewer said the success of Pupkewitz Toyota is ascribed to the philosophy of ensuring employee satisfaction, adding that a happy employee will ensure a happy customer.
Moreover, Pupkewitz Toyota embarked on a cadet programme five years ago to develop their personnel to overcome the skill shortage in Namibia. So far, the company has five general manager graduates from the programme and a number of recruits in senior positions.
Four candidates have been selected to undergo training soon in the ongoing programme.
The Governor of Oshana Region, Clemens Kashuupulwa, applauded the Pupkewitz Toyota team for the investment in the region.
Kashuupulwa said the investment would aid economic growth, job creation and service delivery to Pupkewitz Toyota customers.
He said the public-private partnership (PPP) should be strengthened to speed up the development of Namibia and the Oshana Region in particular.
“Job creation and economic growth in any given country are not only the sole responsibility of the public sector. Equally, it is both the responsibility of the private sector,” stated Kashuupulwa.
At the moment Pupkewitz Toyota has a 40 percent share in Namibia, which contributes six percent sales in Namibia and 10 percent in Southern Africa.
The company employs 470 people. At the event Pupkewitz Toyota also handed over a N$2 million dividend cheque to NDC.