OIL AND lubricants company, Castrol, has announced the opening of its new Auto Service centre in partnership with an established independent, female-owned Car Service workshop in Ballito, Kwa Zulu-Natal.
This is part of Castrol’s distributor-network development plan to have a substantial number of centres opened across the country, 2 of which are currently operating in Soweto and in Northcliff.
The fleet of partnerships allows Castrol to offer customers a wider range of high-quality services and expertise, while providing local workshops access to Castrol’s resources, technology, and training programs. Participating workshops owners can then provide a more professional offer, allowing them to grow their business, and build trust and loyalty with consumers.
Castrol has a strong history of innovation and continues to invest in research and development that helps the company and local businesses alike, to stay ahead of its competitors and meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
“Our partnership with local car service centres is an indication of our commitment to progress beyond lubricants by focusing on sustainable innovations for the benefit of the company and local service providers,” says Melanie Van Straaten, Sales Director of Castrol South Africa.
The opening of the Castrol Auto Service in Ballito is an outstanding achievement, which not only indicates the brand’s commitment to developing the local economy but also supports diversity and inclusion in the automotive industry. “We’re proud to be contributing to the growing movement towards gender transformation in the industry and creating opportunities for women to succeed,” adds Van Straaten.
As consumer perceptions in the automotive sector change, so is the landscape for workshop owners who need to deliver on the best quality and costs.
The Castrol Auto Service provide a critical need to independent owners while addressing challenges such as the shortage of skills and increased competition. “I am delighted to have partnered with the Castrol Auto Service brand which will help ensure maximum productivity, reduced costs, and specialised resources. This is a great opportunity to thrive in an integrated marketplace and improve our service at each key stage of the customer journey,” says Melanie Manson, owner of Car Service Centre Ballito.
The Castrol Auto Service programme provides participating businesses with Castrol-branded signage that delivers a franchise look and feel; vehicle decals for courtesy cars; access to the full range of Castrol premium-quality lubricants, greases, and fluids; product storage and dispensing solutions and comprehensive operational support.
“Working with our partners, we look forward to delivering world-class auto services – and the reliability of the trusted Castrol brand. Soon, we will be installing solar power, to ensure the seamless operations of our Castrol Auto Service sites,” concludes Van Straaten.
If you’re a South African local workshop owner, looking to be a participant in the Castrol Auto Service brand, you need to be Motor Industry Bargaining (RMI) and MAWA approved.
For further details, contact siyabonga.msomi@za.bp.com
Image supplied (Melanie Manson, owner of Car Service Centre Ballito, posing for picture with Castrol representatives and staff at the opening of the workshop in KZN).
