Written by Kholofelo Ngoepe, a student at the University of Johannesburg -
ZF Aftermarket, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, is making its mark across Africa by providing high-quality vehicle parts and building strong customer connections. With its advanced technology and commitment to innovation, the company is focused on helping African markets thrive.
“We are not just here to sell parts; we are here to make a difference by offering solutions that customers can rely on,” said Jacques van der Lely, Head of BL PC IAM at ZF Aftermarket.
The company supplies parts to the entire African continent, excluding North Africa, ensuring customers can access top-quality products.
This year, ZF Aftermarket showcased its products at Automechanika Johannesburg 2024, one of the most important events in the automotive industry. “Automechanika is a great platform for us to connect with customers, promote our brand and show the full range of parts we offer,” Van der Lely explained.
ZF produces parts for commercial, passenger, industrial and agriculture vehicles, attracting visitors’ and customers’ interest. “We were thrilled by how many people showed interest in our products. It shows that there’s a strong demand for reliable and high-performance parts in Africa,” he emphasised.
For ZF Aftermarket, the event is about showcasing products and learning from the industry. “We want to hear from our customers. Their feedback helps us improve and offer solutions that meet their needs,” Van der Lely shared.
The company hopes to use the insights gained at Automechanika to strengthen its presence in Africa. “We are here to build relationships and that means understanding what our customers want and working hard to deliver it,” he added.
As ZF Aftermarket looks ahead, the focus is on growth and expansion. “Our biggest highlight this year was the enthusiasm we saw for our products. But we know we can do more to reach even more customers,” said Van der Lely.
The company plans to invest more in events like Automechanika to spread awareness of its products and services. “We need to show people who we are and what we represent. Our goal is to grow our presence and build trust with our customers,” he concluded.
With a clear vision and dedication to quality, ZF Aftermarket is determined to lead the way in Africa’s original equipment manufacturing (OEM) industry. As Van der Lely pointed out: “We are not just providing parts; we’re building partnerships and high-quality and high-performance parts.”
ZF Aftermarket is committed to continue supplying customers with world-leading OE expertise, knowledge and innovation.
