Professional training across all levels of vehicle dealerships remains crucial for success in the competitive automotive retail sector, according to MSX International. The company's Advanced Dealer Management (ADM) and Departmental Leadership Programme (DLP) are specifically designed to address the complex skills and knowledge requirements of modern dealership operations.
Lynnette Labuschagne, Training Sales and Coordination Manager for MSX International in South Africa, explains the comprehensive approach. "We invited dealer groups and independent dealers to send their staff on these courses, which will equip them with all the management and leadership skills required across the different departments of a dealership," she says.
"We are also having conversations with OEMs where courses could be tailored to specific needs. The importance of face-to-face training, which includes theoretical as well as practical experience, remains the basis of our programmes stretching over different modules," Lynnette says.
The programmes have demonstrated remarkable staying power since their inception. "The programme normally kicks off in the second week of the month so that it won't clash with month end activities. We are preparing to start the next course on 9 February next year with a minimum requirement of ten attendees," Lynnette notes. Since 2007, 39 programmes have been completed in full, with 390 participants receiving their certificates.
Successfully managing a dealership requires balancing multiple departments, achieving high customer satisfaction, meeting manufacturer requirements and producing fair returns for shareholders whilst remaining competitive.
The ADM programme addresses these challenges through 150 hours of intensive management tuition delivered over 20 days across approximately 10 months, with sessions facilitated by leading industry and subject matter experts.
The programme targets individuals with reasonable automotive retail experience, particularly in departmental management, as well as those identified as future general managers and dealer principals.
"ADM is a specialised program focusing on Automotive Retail Management training, founded by Paddy O'Brien in 2007. This exclusive Sewells Group / MSX program remains a global leader in its field, offering bespoke training to management personnel seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers," according to MSX International.
For more information: Lynnette Labuschagne +27 82 997 2375 or at [email protected]
