Danie Hollenbach

DANIE Hollenbach Motors started trading in the used vehicle market in the greater Durban area in December 1990, with its primary emphasis being on selling quality used Mercedes-Benz and Honda vehicles, sourced mainly from Johannesburg as rust free units, to Durban customers. From the start, strong emphasis was placed on quality and excellent customer service, in order to establish trustworthy relationships with integrity. 

Oom Danie, as he was known to all, was a people’s person with drive and fantastic product knowledge. He gave his utmost to establish a long-term goal of creating an independent used vehicle dealership with the help of his close colleagues and friends, Roy Mc Allister and Kevin Halliday. He unselfishly devoted his time to customer service, making sure continuity and customer retention was prioritized, to create long-term relationships with all the people he made contact with.  

Not only did he lead by example, but ensured that his staff followed the same principles. Oom Danie believed the dealership’s success would always depend on the values and integrity of the Danie Holelnbach Motors staff.

During a very tough cycle in the first five years, the dealership moved to 202 Smith Street, with the aim of growing the business in its new 1,200 square metre showroom. The following 18 years, in the Smith Street showroom, saw huge political and economic pressures, including interest rates rocketing to 28 percent during 1997.

But, during the first 10 years, the Danie Hollenbach Motors trading name grew in reputation, not only with a bigger staff compliment and collective product knowledge of used Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but the dealership also started edging its name as ‘Brand Specialists’. This, together with customer satisfaction in service levels, resulted in the family business achieving great results in customer retention and referrals – factors that were turning the business into a well run operation with all Danie Hollenbach Motors business partners.

Entering the new millennium with enthusiasm in 2000, the dealership enjoyed further growth, and, due to legislative changes, they were now able to introduce finance and insurance as value added services to clients. This paved the way for the Used Vehicle Sales Division to become a one-stop shop, ensuring an even smoother customer buying experience.

With the experience gained from the dealership’s start-up challenges, Danie Hollenbach Motors was well prepared to take on any new trials in the industry. The next 10 years saw the dealership grow to new heights, while continuing with great service levels and the integrity customers had become accustomed to from the Danie Hollenbach Motors staff.

2000 – 2010 Specialised showrooms

Danie Hollenbach Motors kicked off the next decade with the same enthusiasm as before, and diversified with other quality brands, to include new product models on display in its huge, luxurious showroom. It wasn’t long before the dealership attracted an increased customer base and rise in sales.

Through advertising and marketing themselves in print media, the Danie Hollenbach Motors brand, became even more popular! New customers were attracted to view the wide range of vehicles, while experiencing the personalised service levels and specialist way the brand’s staff interacted with clients. In order to maintain the level of professionalism and trustworthy service that customers had the pleasure of experiencing at Danie Holelnbach Motors, training programmes became a priority for sales and management staff.

This period also marked the introduction of Finance and Insurance Managers to assist customers with value added product choices, as well as finance options through various financial institutions. These staff members had to be individually trained in compliance with legislation, as these services fell outside the standard vehicle sales guides. Again the staff of Danie Hollenbach Motors rose to the challenge and completed the requirements to advance the customer experience even further.

With the business continuing to grow, the Danie Hollenbach Motors Commercial branch opened in Ordanance Road, Durban, to cater for customers needing LDVs and SUVs. The new segment attracted more customers who again got to experience the excellent customer service the dealership staff offered.

Although this business model was successful, in 2010 it was decided to consolidate the two showrooms at new premises located in the Convention House in Florence Nzama Street. This move was the beginning of the third cycle, post 2010, which would see technology changes emerging, marking yet another industry upgrade, and making better customer services a reality.   

2010 – 2020 The future and technology 

Entering the third decade of vehicle trading in Durban, the electronic revolution was taking its rightful place within the motor industry’s trade and advertising platforms. The electronic era was phased into the business module and processes in the dealership were adjusted to align. With the younger generations knowledge in this field, the migration to digital operations was very successful for the dealership.

With the help of its advertising partners, the digital campaign was fully transformed to electronic advertising and massive interaction from new customers was gained. The dealership also experienced a new trend in customers buying habits, adjusting its sales team’s skills in preparation and compliance to the trend.

The Signio Electronic Dealer Platform makes deal applications and communication with financial institutions very accurate and effective, ensuring competitive customer service and turnaround times. The system allows customers to sign contracts online, and take delivery of their vehicle without any delays. The platform also allows the dealership to interact with product suppliers, thus allowing staff the ability to offer customers the best service and advice, without any compromise in compliance criteria.

With the huge shift in the industry to technology driven dealerships, it created the opportunity to find a business plan to deal with the new buying process. Being proactive in this field already, it wasn’t long before the Danie Hollenbach Motors Boutique Motors, with a big footprint in electronic advertising, marketing and financial processes for customers was created.

In December 2019, Danie Hollenbach Motors relocated to its current showroom, situated at 46 Sylvester Ntuli Street, Durban. This new home fits the Boutique Showroom requirements and with the new interactive website: www.hollenbach.co.za the wheels of used vehicle trading with new technology are in motion. 

Although Danie Hollenbach Motors actively moved with the electronic era, the original foundation of honesty, integrity, and customer service, still remains embedded within the dealership staff, who continue offering customers a pleasant purchasing process and trustworthy relationships.

“We thank all our customers and suppliers for the support and great friendship throughout our three decades of trading in Durban.”