The annual Grand Prix Awards, which were held on 11 June 2020, in South Africa recognise the best performing dealers in the Volkswagen Brand.

This year’s ceremony themed, ‘Made to Move You’ was slightly different. For the first time in the history of the Grand Prix Awards, the ceremony was hosted as a virtual event.

This year’s awards were streamed to all 109 Volkswagen dealers in an effort to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“Over 50 000 vehicle sales were channelled through the Volkswagen Dealer Network last year. Our Dealers played an important role in helping the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand to achieve its highest market share since 1996.

Even in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines, we found an innovative way to recognise their achievements,” said Mike Glendinning, Volkswagen Group South Africa Sales and Marketing Director.

A total of 87 awards were presented during the ceremony which rewarded the exceptional performance of the Volkswagen dealerships in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

The two most prestigious awards of the night were awarded to Mike McNaughton and Sally McNaughton from the Kelston Group who won the Dealer Micro Group of the Year award and Brad Kaftel from the Hatfield Group, who walked away with the Macro Dealer Group of the Year Award (the third year in a row).

The Volkswagen Dealer of the Year is bestowed upon the Volkswagen Dealership that delivers the best overall results across various disciplines of the business, on a consistent basis whilst representing the Volkswagen brand values at the highest level. The Dealer of the Year Award, which is the most coveted award at the Grand Prix’s, went to Michael Kaftel from Hatfield VW Rivonia.

“The Dealer Network is an integral aspect of Volkswagen South Africa’s business and accounts for over 70% of our sales. The Volkswagen brand’s exceptional performance in 2019 was fuelled by a strong dealer performance. I am proud of the commitment shown by our dealers who continue to make the Volkswagen Brand the most-loved passenger car brand in South Africa,” concluded Glendinning.