Within the thriving vehicle industry independent dealerships in South Africa are forming an increasingly important part of this landscape. The main reason for this growth is that these businesses provide consumers (and other businesses) with more personalised customer service and a wider array of cars to suit different preferences and budgets. In short, smaller dealerships can offer an attractive alternative to the bigger franchise dealerships, and consumers are leaning in to take advantage.
The only real challenge is that these smaller enterprises frequently face setbacks when it comes to establishing trust with potential buyers.
This is where the AA steps in. As an organisation that stands for true automotive expertise and reliability in world racked with uncertainty, the launch of the AA’s Certified Pre-Owned Programme has come as a welcome addition to the secondhand vehicle landscape. In partnering with the AA, dealerships across South Africa can bring to market superior secondhand vehicles, and in so doing, ramp up their credibility, boost customer confidence, and increase sales.
Here is a closer look at how this programme will revolutionise the pre-owned vehicle industry.
A Strenuously Developed Process
The AA Certified Pre-Owned Programme involves far more than a stamp of approval. The Programme’s stringent inspection process includes vetting every critical aspect of a car, from top to bottom. As a result, dealerships who subject their inventory to this process demonstrate their commitment to quality and transparency, and potential buyers will have real peace of mind when making their purchasing decisions.
Notably, this inspection includes an examination of:
- Body Condition
- Electrical Systems
- Mechanical Components
- Service History and Documentation
- Safety Features
- Interior Quality
A Powerful Partnership
The chief concern when you buy a secondhand vehicle is whether you can trust that you are making a ‘good’ purchase. This is precisely why the collaboration between independent dealerships and the AA is a real game-changer. You see, by offering vehicles that have undergone the rigorous AA Certified Pre-Owned inspection process, you can be sure that you are buying a reliable vehicle – or rather, you know exactly what it is that you are buying. There are no hidden surprises once you’ve driven your car off the lot.
Furthermore, this partnership serves to enhance any participating dealerships’ credibility. The AA name has long been a trusted authority on everything automotive. When customers observe the AA Certification on pre-owned vehicles there is an added layer of reassurance, of confidence, that removes the uncertainty. No longer will it feel like a gamble to buy a secondhand vehicle
Ultimately, the AA certification level has levelled the playing field which now allows smaller businesses to provide similar quality assurance levels that customers usually expect from more established dealerships.
The Benefits For Buyers
Unsurprisingly, the AA’s partnership with independent dealerships is not just great for business, it is also a win for car buyers in South Africa.
For starters, the thorough inspection report offered by the AA Certified Pre-Owned Programme offers unprecedented transparency. Buyers can see the exact condition of the vehicle and make more informed decisions, no longer feeling as if they are making an investment into an unknown entity. Additionally, most AA Certified Pre-Owned vehicles include extras, such as extended warranties and roadside assistance. This type of support adds more value to the purchase while providing the buyer with long-term assurance and peace of mind.
Perhaps most importantly, with increasingly more independent dealerships partnering with the AA, there are more choices for buyers who may have limited themselves previously to franchise dealerships or newer cars due to concerns relating to reliability.
As you can see, the innovative collaboration between independent dealerships and the AA involves more than just a business strategy, it has truly transformed the used car market in South Africa. By combining the expertise and trust of the AA with a more personalised service that independent dealerships provide, this partnership has created a superior purchasing experience overall.
If you’re looking for an AA accredited dealership, click here.