Fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the vehicle financing sector, Bank Windhoek last week hosted a night of celebration and recognition of the hard work and achievements of salespersons and car dealerships in central Namibia. 

In its previous financial year, Bank Windhoek financed the purchase of more than 2 000 personal and commercial vehicles worth over N$1 billion. 

This year’s awards celebrated the collective efforts and accomplishments of the automotive industry’s commitment to the region. 

The bank’s executive officer of retail banking services and specialist finance James Chapman said Bank Windhoek is geared to facilitate vehicle sales by offering the necessary support to empower consumers to make essential purchases. As a collective, he said the automotive industry and the bank can create a robust ecosystem that promotes vehicle ownership, and supports the growth of local communities.  

Chapman added that adapting to new technologies and ensuring sales teams are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet evolving consumer expectations, is essential. 

“As we look to the future, collaboration will be paramount. The automotive industry cannot thrive in isolation. We must foster partnerships between dealerships, manufacturers, financial service providers and stakeholders. As we endeavour to grow the vehicle market in Namibia, let us remember that development opportunities are abundant. With strategic partnerships, we can tap into new markets and services, better serve our customers, and address the emerging challenges we face head-on,” he said.

The top salesperson for new vehicles from Pupkewitz Toyota, Jaco Nel, was happy to receive his award, saying he enjoys his profession. 

“The year has been a good challenge for us. We conquered challenging times with interest rates and stock, but our brand was united with great support from Bank Windhoek,” he said. 

The top salesperson for used vehicles, Marius Coetzee of Windhoek Carzone Auto Sales, agreed that the market has been quite challenging. He said with fantastic support, one can consistently achieve great things.

“I have the privilege of working with a great Bank Windhoek consultant, who made sales processes easier. I am very grateful for my award tonight; this is motivation to continue reaching for my sales and dealership targets, which I believe can be achieved through hard work and honesty,” said Coetzee.

After joining the automotive industry two years ago, Wayne Berry of Metjie & Zigler-Mahindra received a silver award as a top salesperson in new vehicle sales. Holding onto his prize and excited to share his experience, Berry said receiving an award was a surprise. Figuratively, he said: “When I started, I was thrown into the deep end, and had to keep swimming.”