Since 2015 SMG BMW uMhlanga has been a beacon of customer excellence for BMW fans, offering the premier experience that this iconic brand deserves. With a dynamic change in leadership, the dealership is ready to make waves in the competitive automotive playground of uMhlanga.
At any automotive dealership, the Dealer Principal (DP) sets the tone for the showroom atmosphere and the customer service experience. The newly appointed DP of SMG BMW Umhlanga – situated at the iconic uMhlanga Arch – brings a unique approachability and flair to this award-winning dealership.
Zululand local, Kirsten Hodgson, has over 20 years of experience in the motor industry working with a range of premier brands, and fell in love with the BMW brand when she joined SMG in 2019. Kirsten realised her passion for cars and bikes early on in her career and quickly moved her way up from sales to management. With sheer determination to succeed in the motor industry, Kirsten equipped herself with essential knowledge on all aspects of the dealership, which she believes is the key skill for future management.
“I have always believed that people buy cars from people. We need to humanise our brand and build a relationship of trust with our customers in order to better understand their needs in sales and aftersales. This will set us apart.” Kirsten also explained that a key focus of her new strategy for SMG BMW Umhlanga is to engage more with corporates and like-minded brands, creating synergistic relationships with local businesses.
Approachability and accessibility are high on Kirsten’s agenda, and the last place you will find her is in her office.
“I love chatting with customers, whether over a coffee at our La Dolce Vita coffee shop, or just while browsing our dealership selection. You learn more from these small interactions than any feedback form, and customers tend to be a lot more open when they feel comfortable,” said Kirsten.
With an exciting range of BMW and Motorrad products on the horizon, paired with the energetic leadership of Ms Hodgson, SMG BMW Umhlanga is poised to cement itself as the premier automotive experience in KwaZulu-Natal.
FOR MORE INFO:
- SMG BMW Umhlanga: uMhlanga Arch, 1 Ncondo Place, uMhlanga Ridge
- 031 502 9800
- https://smg.co.za/branch/bmw-umhlanga/
- Facebook: @BMWUmhlanga
