Rola signals its intentions

WHEN the commercial division of the Strand-based Rola Motors Dealership moves into its brand new, purpose built premises early this year, the signage that will be going up will also signal to the local transport industry the sincere intention of the division to further entrench itself.

Situated on the corner of the N2 and Broadlands interchange, the premises will be most visible in the well-known False Bay/Winelands scenery. More important though is that Rola Motors has earmarked an investment of close R15 million for the new project.

It does so with confidence, because at hand is a product range in trucks that fills the need in every segment of the commercial vehicle market, with the best known names in trucking to boot, according to Terrance Mazzolini, general manager of the commercial division of Rola Motors.

Whereas it was previously just an independent dealer for sales and service of Mercedes Benz and Mitsubishi Fuso (a close partner of Daimler­Chrysler) commercial vehicles, it has now been fully incorporated as a market centre of the DaimlerChrysler network in South Africa. This outlet will have access to DC’s Distributed National Inventory system, for it’s supply of parts to the service department.

Mazzolini points out that Mercedes Benz is comprehensively represented in most almost every segment of the commercial vehicle market with fresh and modern looking vehicles, more powerful engines, improved emission levels and comfortable cabs. It ranges from the Vito panel van through to the Actros extra heavy vehicle.

“The range has been updated with the latest technology from Europe and the refinements provide a diversity of models to meet the needs of all potential applications,” Mazzolini says.

The Japanese manufactured Fuso ranges from the well-known, popular Canter to the Fuso FP/FV extra heavy vehicle.

Recently Rola Motors has also been appointed dealer of the well-known American produced Freightliner truck, which is increasingly making a name for itself in the long-haul segment of the local market.

“With these names we have the best to counter anything the European, American or Asian competitors can throw at us,” Mazzolini adds daringly.

Interesting to note is that this investment comes at a time when not only the market in commercial vehicles is booming, but Rolas ‘territory’ has also grown. It now includes not only the Helderberg, but the Overberg districts as well, stretching as far afield as Hermanus and Swellendam.

The new premises situated on an erf with a size of close 9 500 sq m, is a two storey building providing space for sales, admin, service (there will be 14 bays for technical staff) and after care.

All seems set for an even tougher onslaught on the market.

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