Honesty, integrity, value for money and professionalism in all areas of business.
These are the four core values on which Philwest Volkswagen in Somerset West prides itself.
Established by Aubrey Philipson in 1963, it originally traded as a BMW franchise followed by a Fiat and Lancia franchise, operating from the Total petrol station in Main Road, Somerset West.
In 1978, it was acquired by Rod Davison and converted into a Volkswagen franchise.
The site was later redeveloped to Total Helderberg.
From humble beginnings, over the years the business has blossomed into a fully functioning car dealership, with the following departments: sales, service and parts, administration, Total Helderberg and Philwest pre-owned, all situated in Main Road. Philwest Mastercars operates from Somerset Mall.
A large part of the business’ success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of its staff.
With more than a 100 employees, managing director Alan Davison says they try hard “to make this a happy place to work. There are two factors that stop a business in its tracks – no customers and no staff. We try our best to keep our staff happy.”
And how do they cope with an ever changing and evolving industry? They adapt, of course.
Davison says the Internet played a big role in the changing of the industry. Secondly, there was a shift in consumer behaviour – with petrol prices sky-rocketing, a trend started for smaller, but powerful, fuel-efficient cars.
Volkswagen followed suit and on 14 February 2015 – Valentine’s Day – launched the Volkswagen Up! Being a compact car, Davison says, it is incredibly economical, using only 4.2F/100 km.
It is also the only car in its class that got a five star European crash rating, he says.
- As to what customers can expect when visiting Philwest Volkswagen, Davison says: “Our clients can be certain of fair, friendly and professional advice.” Visit Philwest Volkswagen in Main Road, Somerset West.
Trading hours for the showroom are from 08:00 to 18:00. The service centre operates from 07:30 to 17:00.
For more information, call 021 840 4900 or visit www.philwest.co.za.
