Leslie Ramsoomar Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Fury expands Stellantis brands in Richards Bay

vuyi on March 2, 2022

The integration of brands and on-going dealer network expansion continues at Stellantis South Africa, with the latest expanded facilities now open in Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal.

Fury Motor Group is expanding their existing facility on the North Coast already representing sales and service for Stellantis’ Opel brands. A revamp of their existing showroom along with a brand new showroom planned for Stellantis brands will extend Fury’s offering to sales of the Jeep, Fiat, and Fiat Professional range.

Founded in 1995 with a single dealership in Sandton, Johannesburg, Fury Motor Group has grown quickly across brands, building confidence for customers around the country. The group first expanded into KZN in 2007 and now forms part of the Hatfield Motor Group.

“We believe the current mix of dealers in the KZN region continues to bolster our customer experience in our constant drive for improved customer satisfaction,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “Fury Motor Group is well-established and trusted amongst our customers. We look forward to providing our customers in Richards Bay even more convenience through Fury.”

Leading the team at Fury Richards Bay is Dealer Principal, Greg Massey-Hicks. “Our constant drive to improve and grow is as much a Fury business value as it is a customer philosophy for us in Richards Bay,” says Massey-Hicks. “We are proud of the hard work we put into building solid customer relationships. Offering benchmark service levels comes with a great responsibility. That’s why we work so hard to uphold the four core components of what makes Fury Motor Group’s service the best in the industry: our People, our Brand, our Ethics and the Community around us.”

Fury Richards Bay is open to handle Opel, Fiat, Fiat Professional, and Jeep customers.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio amongst most affordable cars to own in SA

vuyi on October 20, 2021

by H&h Admin

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio has proven itself as having the lowest Rand value of the AA’s parts basket research in the Executive SUV segment.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has ranked amongst the most affordable cars to own in the inaugural AA Spare Parts Pricing Guide. The Alfa Romeo SUV came tops in both categories in the Executive SUV class, one of only two brands to win multiple segments of the research.

The recognition comes after its sedan stablemate, the Alfa Romeo Giulia ranked the winner in the 30th and final AA Kinsey Report last year, which also researched parts and service costs across the South African motor industry.

Having some of the most affordable parts in the industry make an enormous impact on our dealer network and their ability to service our valued customers.

Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa

“The AA Spare Parts Pricing Guide is important research consumers must be made aware of. Buyers often don’t consider the potential lifetime costs of vehicles at the time of purchase, and budgeting for these expenses is critical,” the AA said in a statement. “Our research shows that more and more people are keeping their vehicles for longer due to prevailing economic conditions and personal finance circumstances; the information in our Guide is a critical component of proper research as part of buying a new or second-hand vehicle.”

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio has the lowest Rand value of the AA’s parts basket research in the Executive SUV segment. It also features the lowest service costs, proving that it is not only gorgeous to look at and beautiful to drive, but that it is also cost-effective to own.

“We are delighted by this independent recognition of the value-for money represented by the Alfa Romeo brand in the South African market,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “Having some of the most affordable parts in the industry make an enormous impact on our dealer network and their ability to service our valued customers in support of our ongoing drive for customer satisfaction.”

Peugeot 2008 SUV is crowned South African Car of the Year 2021

vuyi on October 6, 2021

The Peugeot 2008 SUV is the 2021 South African Car of the Year, beating 23 finalists in the prestigious competition. The announcement was made by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) this morning.

The dynamic and distinctive cross-over held its head proudly above South Africa’s motoring best to take the overall title. Along the way it was also honoured with the 2021 Jurors Excellence Award and beat out five strong competitors in the hotly contested Compact Family category, one of the most contested groups in this year’s competition.

We’re naturally delighted by the recognition by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists of our exciting Peugeot 2008 SUV

Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa

There were six nominees in the category, including Hyundai’s Creta crossover, Toyota’s Corolla Sedan, the Volkswagen T-Roc, Kia Seltos, and the Mazda CX-30.

The Peugeot 2008 allows families to escape the ordinary, the versatile SUV designed firmly with lifestyle intentions. Next generation technology, a selection of powerful, fuel-efficient engines and dynamic, appealing styling all contributed to the car being recognised for the SAGMJ’s accolade.

“We’re naturally delighted by the recognition by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists of our exciting Peugeot 2008 SUV,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “We believe the car certainly deserves it. It’s been a major success for customers and we’re proud of the results it’s achieving thanks to major efforts from our Stellantis and dealer teams.”

The accolade is the second for Stellantis from the SAGMJ this year, the new company being recognised in June as the most-admired car company in the country.

With its fluid and robust lines, the all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV delivers masterful power and efficiency. Its striking front grille, horizontal bonnet, and raised ground clearance enhance the sophisticated and sharp design. At the rear, the spoiler, gloss black rear cluster connecting strip, and chrome exhaust affirm its sporty, tenacious personality.

“The Competition has taken on a whole different meaning over the last 18 months,” said Ramsoomar. “Every car maker has fought gallantly and is worthy of congratulations, but especially to the other category winners and all the finalists.”

There were 23 finalists in the running for this year’s awards across nine categories. Stellantis featured twice amongst the nominees, the new generation Opel Corsa ranking in the Compact category.

Stellantis dealer network extends to Cape Town

vuyi on August 18, 2021

Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) is the latest addition to a growing Stellantis dealer network, adding Peugeot and Citroën to their brand offering in Cape Town.

No stranger to the retail motor industry, CMH will add substantial trust to the French and German brands in the Western Cape. With a clear objective in mind of taking pride in their customer satisfaction, CMH’s expanded facilities in the Cape Town CBD opened in June 2021.

We’re excited to be even more convenient to Western Cape customers in the Cape Town area as we welcome CMH to the Peugeot and Citroën brands
– Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director Stellantis South Africa

“We’re excited to be even more convenient to Western Cape customers in the Cape Town area as we welcome CMH to the Peugeot and Citroën brands,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director Stellantis South Africa. “This is yet another step forward for our customers and part of our broader plans to grow our representation across the country.”

The Peugeot and Citroën brands have an exciting 2021 ahead in terms of product. These include the recently launched Peugeot 2008, which has also been nominated as a finalist in the 2021 South African Car of the Year, and 3008 SUV, including the GT line.

Also on the cards before the middle of the year will be the Peugeot 208, while Landtrek will hit local shores towards the end of the year.

The Citroën range will see activity in the form of the recently launched C3 Facelift and the soon to be revealed C3 Aircross.

The two models join the appealing C5 Aircross, so there will be lots to see and experience at CMH this year.

The expanded facility caters for all Peugeot and Citroën’s customer’s needs, including comfortable waiting areas with complimentary WiFi and refreshments.

The new CMH facility is located in the Foreshore area at the corner of Nelson Mandela Boulevard & Christiaan Barnard Street.

Stellantis South Africa scoops first ever Most Admired Car Company Award

vuyi on July 14, 2021

Stellantis South Africa has been recognized as the most-admired car company in the country by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).

Stellantis South Africa has been recognised as the most-admired car company in the country by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ). The accolade was announced at the media group’s Annual General Meeting on 26 June.

Awarded for the first time in the SAGMJ’s 59-year history, the accolade recognises Stellantis’ professionalism and commitment to customers and media alike across all its brands.

Stellantis is the result of a historic merger of equals (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A. ‘Groupe PSA’) in one of the largest motor industry deals in the last decade. Combining two strong business entities with diverse backgrounds, wide-ranging talents, and inspiring heritage has created a broad-based platform of iconic brands to exceed customer expectations.

We’re delighted by the South African media’s recognition and admiration of Stellantis
– Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa

As a result, Stellantis is now a major motor industry force in the South African landscape. Representing 72 dealerships across the country selling eight brands (Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot) and there are growth plans to open 12 new facilities by the end of the year.

“We’re delighted by the South African media’s recognition and admiration of Stellantis,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “Not only is the media an important constituency for us, enabling us to get our story out to South African consumers and industry stakeholders, but it is a proud endorsement for us of the efforts that go into creating the ultimate customer experience across our brands.”

All the brands in the global Stellantis stable

Speaking at the SAGMJ’s AGM, Chairman Carl Wepener cited Stellantis’ professional managerial style and incredible knowledge displayed during all launches, the company’s commitment to journalists and customers alike, and passionate commitment to all the brands in the group amongst the criteria considered for the award.

“Stellantis’ vision to become a globally recognised entity in South Africa and their management’s commitment to going the extra mile to ensure that journalists are informed of the long-term strategies envisaged, contributed to the success of the Stellantis brand introduction into the local market,” said Carl Wepener, Chairman, SAGJM. “The professional conduct and attention given by senior management to every journalist, irrespective of stature and seniority, when attending vehicle launches as well as granting interviews is a sign of their dedication.”