Building relationships on trust

Building relationships on trust

Martin Liebenberg, head of sales at Iveco South Africa, says that in the agricultural sector relationships have always been based on trust

“This is why when they call, we answer,” says Liebenberg.

Iveco has been present at Nampo every year for the last seven years. “We are here for one reason, and that’s to build relationships in the agricultural industry. We have vehicles placed in the market specifically for farmers,” says Liebenberg.

“Farming activity has supported our dealerships countrywide over the years. When talking to the customers at our stand at Nampo, we have realised how loyal they are and how they have grown with us as a brand.”

Liebenberg says it is important for Iveco to support the farming community by showing it what it has to offer and what its products can do.

The Dakar-spec Petronas De Rooy Iveco Trakker was a crowd puller.This year, Iveco showcased several products that impressed visitors at Nampo. “We had the Iveco 682 with the cattle carrier, which is adjustable and multi-functional. The dividers and the side railings can be moved to turn it into a flatbed.

“It has a 14-t payload for non-cattle transport. This gives farmers the opportunity to carry a variety of loads from cattle and bales to feed. Last year we showcased a rubber mat that prevents cattle from slipping, and now everyone wants one,” says Liebenberg.

“Many farmers have started transport and construction businesses on the side after buying vehicles to move their products,” explains Liebenberg. This is why Iveco decided to make changes to meet the agricultural industry’s needs.

Liebenberg says: “We didn’t have a vehicle (like the Iveco 682) that could be utilised for construction. So, last year we started production of 12-cube tippers. Then we brought in the water tankers, and in the next few months we will bring in a mixer. The Iveco 682 with all its segmentations is very reasonably priced.”

Iveco’s flagship vehicle, the Stralis 480 – the same vehicle used in this year’s Truck Test – attracted a lot of attention at Nampo.

The Stralis 480 and 682 models were two stand favourites.“Everyone is talking about it. Everyone has read about it and seen the results from Truck Test. We go to clients and show them the results in writing. Independent tests have proved that it has really good fuel consumption,” boasts Liebenberg.

Another truck that drew attention to Iveco’s stand at Nampo was the Trakker single reduction. “It has the same engine as the Stralis, but has steel suspension and higher attack angles. The Trakker is more suited to on- and off-road applications, whereas the Stralis is a highway vehicle.

“For farmers who want to go more off-road, the Trakker is a more attractive vehicle. Its specifications make it more suited to agricultural applications. We are happy with the Trakker’s results from Truck Test,” says Liebenberg.

He explains that Nampo is a great opportunity to chat to the farmers, hear how they are doing and what more Iveco can do for them.

There were other interesting exhibits on the Iveco stand, such as this cutaway engine.“We have dealerships in the main centres around the country, but we go the extra mile with our mobile services. We also accommodate the customers by customising their vehicles to suit their business needs,” says Liebenberg.

Liebenberg says the Iveco team enjoys Nampo immensely, even in tough times. “Last year things were difficult, it was really dry and the farmers weren’t buying, but this year we sold the Iveco 682 with a cattle carrier and the water tanker in the first two days of Nampo.

“Even though we only come to Nampo to network, we still seem to sell vehicles, because the customers like what they see and they trust us, and that’s what matters to them. We believe that our customers deserve nothing less than the best service, and that’s what we give them,” concludes Liebenberg.

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Focus on Transport

FOCUS on Transport and Logistics is the oldest and most respected transport and logistics publication in southern Africa.
Charleen Clarke
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