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Mahle Tells Automechanika Joburg Its First Year Has Been A Success

May 08, 2015 mahle, Automechanika, Garage, Parts, Engine, Filters, Aftermarket


Mahle Aftermarket has confirmed that it has recorded positive results for the first business year in South Africa. The company opened its SA sales branch in March 2014 and has since found a solid foothold in the local aftermarket. This is especially true of its Mahle Original and Knecht brands. 

Speaking at the Automechanika Johanesburg 2015 event Georges Mourad, head of MAHLE Aftermarket Middle East and Africa, commented: “Over the past year we have succeeded to establish MAHLE Original and Knecht as premium brands in the southern African region, in particular with regards to engine parts and filters. We were able to demonstrate that we fully meet the quality standards and expertise requirements for OE activities. What’s more, with the opening of the sales office in Port Elizabeth, we have been able to serve the market more efficiently, intensify customer proximity, and successfully build up contacts in the neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Angola. Last but not least, the short response times and professional customer support provided by our local team have been key to our success. Workshops today are asking for our brands!”

Mahle Aftermarket continues that it is planning to gradually expand its range of services and support over the next few years, including developments to the product range, making it even more tailored to local conditions. “South Africa has a highly diversified vehicle fleet and the brand diversity is extremely high. This in turn holds great potential for the MAHLE brands, which combine OE competence with what is already today a broad and deep product range”, continues Mourad. In this context, MAHLE Aftermarket—the spare parts and service specialist—will also be presenting thermostats and turbochargers alongside engine parts and filters at Automechanika Johannesburg 2015.

Letrika, which is the most recent subsidiary and specialises in alternators and starter motors for agricultural and construction machinery, is also currently on display at Automechnika Johannesburg and falls under the  “Electric Drives and Applications” profit centre in the MAHLE Group.

You can find out more at the Mahle Aftermarket stand in Hall 6, Stand 6F012 or at www.mahle-aftermarket.com

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