Logimeter

We’re about to introduce Auto Connect, a solution built to completely change how dealerships respond to online leads. It’s simple, direct, and incredibly effective — imagine being the first dealer to reach out the moment someone enquires, without any manual work on your end. We’re talking response times in seconds, not minutes, giving you the edge you need to get in front of buyers first. Here’s a taste of what’s coming: ✅ Instant Lead Engagement – The solution dials your sales team and connects them to potential customers within seconds of their enquiry. Meaning your team will make contact with them before your competitors, increasing conversion rates by as much as 75%. ✅ Smart Lead Assignment – Auto Connect assigns leads intelligently, with Round Robin and Call All as options. ✅ Better Management Oversight – Calls are recorded and added to a Logimeter portal where you can listen to them and help your sales team to develop and grow. Performance Dashboards are also provided. We’re just about ready to roll this out, and I believe it’ll be a game-changer for dealerships looking to make the most of every lead. Stay tuned, because this tool is designed to boost conversions and help you connect faster, smarter, and with better results.

I've always tried to be a "boots on the ground" CEO, though I'm not saying I always succeed. I believe it helps me to stay close to daily operations and gain a firsthand understanding of the company's challenges, strengths, and opportunities. This insight leads to better, more informed decisions that align with the business's realities. I also think that when employees see the CEO actively involved, it fosters a sense of camaraderie. Team members feel supported and motivated when they know leadership truly understands their work and their contribution. Like most businesses, ours has needed to pivot quickly in response to market changes or new opportunities. If I am engaged at ground level, I think I can identify these shifts early and implement changes more swiftly, keeping the business agile and competitive (and afloat). I also believe maintaining a close connection with customers is crucial. I think a 'boots on the ground' CEO can better understand customer needs, gather real-time feedback, and promptly address issues, hopefully strengthening customer loyalty and establishing trust. I also like to think that by actively participating in the day-to-day, I can more effectively reinforce the company's values and culture. I believe this direct involvement helps build a unified vision and align everyone with the company's mission. How do you think CEOs should engage with their teams and customers?

Can anyone else sense a shift in the automotive tides? The latest data from naamsa | The Automotive Business Council is intriguing. July '24 passenger car sales showed an 8.74% month-on-month increase over June '24 and an 8.40% year-on-year boost versus June '23. There seems to be a significant shift in the South African automotive market. But what does this tell us about the broader market sentiment? The robust growth in car sales would suggest a clear marker of positive change. It signifies a potential revival of consumer confidence and suggests South Africans are increasingly willing to make significant purchases. These MOM and YOY changes could reflect a growing optimism among consumers, which is critical for the country's overall economic health. I first wondered whether the Government of National Unity (GNU) has bolstered consumer confidence. Is this seemingly more stable political landscape translating into economic optimism, promoting consumer spending? And, potentially, the fact that two members of the South African Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee voted for a rate cut might have injected a further dose of confidence into the market. This move likely signalled to consumers that interest rate cuts were on the horizon, making car loans more affordable and consequently stimulating purchases. The anticipation of lower interest rates often leads to an uptick in big-ticket purchases as consumers rush to take advantage of the potentially favourable borrowing conditions. It is heartening to see positive developments in the automotive sector. In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and what they mean for the broader economy. What are your thoughts on this shift? Will this optimism be sustained, or are there other underlying factors at play?