The announcement was made at the SAVRALA's annual gala dinner in Sandton, Johannesburg recently. Volkswagen also received gold awards in leasing and rental categories. Furthermore, Volkswagen employees Queen Ramaliwa and Lutendo Mudau received gold awards for best rental executive in rental and best technical representative in both leasing and rental respectively.
Audi received a bronze award in the Manufacturer of the Year - Rental category. This was the second consecutive year that Audi won a bronze award in this category and the only premium brand to receive an award on the evening.
The winners are decided by ten rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Tempest, First Car and Dollar Thrifty and six leasing and fleet management companies through a scientific and stringent process. SAVRALA members are required to rate 26 motor manufacturers using a survey containing 40 different and targeted questions. The survey cover aspects such as communication, contact with the manufacturer, technical assistance, parts availability and pricing structures.
"We are honoured and humbled by the recognition from our rental and leasing partners, especially for bestowing Volkswagen with the Manufacturer of the Year award for the fifth consecutive year. We are very grateful to all SAVRALA members for showing confidence in our products," David Powels, managing director at Volkswagen Group South Africa said.
