The next chapter

“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you”
- Desmond Tutu

What makes a true family business like Motorland successful?
Is it the trust, communication, the mutual respect? Or maybe the strong Christian values that binds the family together?

When talking about this to Frans and Wayne Strauss, it becomes clear that all the above and more get's thrown into a pot and what comes out is what makes it all worth while. It is difficult to pinpoint one aspect but Frans believes that good communication and mutual respect are the building blocks of Motorland. Of course, the Motorland family does not only refer to the Strauss and Reynders families, but to each and every employee that walks through the doors.

A colourful and successful past that goes back more than 35 years has now culminated into the opening of the latest outlet in the Motorland stable. In December doors will open at the upmarket and modern Motorland showroom in the Hub, Beacon Bay. This new showroom will compliment the existing Motorland outlets.

But let's go back one step and find out how this all started. In the early ‘70's, Frans Strauss, partnered by Willie Botha, started the company. When Frans and Willie parted ways, Frans took on a new partner and friend in Johnny Reynders. Johnny was tasked to start and head up the Sun City Motors division but was, until his retirement in October 2009, actively involved in all the operational and strategic functions of the business. Wayne, Frans's son, joined the company in 1993 after completing his B.Comm degree in Cape Town. Wayne joined the company as a salesman and had to prove his worth to Frans before moving into the role as a director and shareholder in 1999. Johnny's son, Mark also joined the business in 1993. Motorland has in recent years not only successfully acquired various well known brands like Subaru, Proton and Mahindra, but has also extended operations to Port Elizabeth when they opened shop in 2004. Over the years Nicky Strauss ( Frans's wife), Shorne Strauss( Wayne's wife) and Carmen Strauss ( daughter) all joined the company in various positions, further enhancing the beliefs of true family values.

As mentioned, Johnny Reynders retired at the end of October. Johnny left a legacy of being a true gentleman, friend and confidant to many employees. Johnny's legacy goes further than just Motorland and has demanded respect throughout the motor industry in the East London area. Johnny's son, Mark, has recently moved into the managerial fold and has already proven his worth in the business and will be managing the new showroom in Beacon Bay.

But let's get back to what makes this business's heart beat. Apart from the strong family beliefs, basic and effective corporate governance based on sound business principles, plays an important role in the success of any organization. This is applied at Motorland when any decision, from the trivial to the strategically significant, are made. Being a family orientated business, collective decision making which not only includes direct family but also employees, is important. Employees feel that their views, opinions and expertise are valued and their input are always considered in the decision making process. It is also important that non-executive management is empowered to make decisions on their business. This team is lead by Steve Chandler (Dealer Principle: East London) and Gerhard De Lange( Dealer Principle: Port Elizabeth). A group of experienced and trained sales executive make up the frontline of the sales effort. This is backed up by well equipped workshops with fully trained technical staff.

The Future

With the opening of this new showroom, Motorland is making a bold and confident statement in the future of not only the local motor industry, but also East London as a whole. This significant investment is based on a thorough feasibility studied carried out by the directors and will certainly not only enhance the already well established and trusted Motorland brand, but will also create a friendly environment for all their customers.

This new showroom is a celebration of more than 35 years in the industry on the one hand and a firm commitment to a prosperous future for their customers and staff alike.

Here's to the future…
Here's to Motorland Beacon Bay!