Why Vehicle Insurance Comparison Is Important?

Profitable car insurance comparison call for obtaining the business niche that greatest fits your situations.  That company will offer you the greatest vehicle insurance price for you.

Setting a cost for car insurance is difficult and difficult.  Insurance coverage companies have differing “appetites” for models of vehicles and knowledge of drivers – the company’s niche market.

The insurance firm prices their product to attract their niche but most could not be lucrative on that alone, so they offer other drivers coverage at a price the organization can afford to accept.

Insurox offers insurance coverage across the nation and maintains a skilled connection with an impressive selection of national and regional firms to very best match your needs.

Why do best agencies like Insurox represent dozens of auto insurance organizations?

To additional complicate the pricing problem, auto insurance coverage regulates by state, not federal law.

Fifty state regulatory bodies with which to comply, hundreds of models of automobiles, millions of individual drivers and their habits, and the differing factors and settings in which they drive (rural, city, commute to operate, use in function to name a few).

The possible combinations are endless, and the diversity staggering.
To respond to this reality, organizations use either pricing tracks or different corporations within the umbrella of 1 firm.

For example, Travelers, speaking of the umbrella, owns twenty 3 insurance companies operating in California alone.  This structure permits complete regulatory compliance and the capacity to provide a broad range of coverage to folks with varied situations.

Huge agencies represent many firms in order to access these many pricing tracks to ideal match your situations.  The excellent news is they’ll do it for you.

Rather than navigating twenty web sites to get quotes, you can one quit shop at Insurox.  These professionals will uncover the correct insurance coverage coverage for your situations.

In addition, you can shop for home owners, condo policies and renters coverage at the identical time to try to achieve package discounts.

Big agencies carry dozens of companies and a number of sorts of insurance to assure the ideal fit, ideal package for most individual purchasers.

Why Vehicle Insurance Comparison Is Important?

Why Auto Insurance coverage Comparison Is Important?

Productive car insurance coverage comparison call for finding the organization niche that greatest fits your circumstances.  That company will offer you the ideal auto insurance price for you.

Setting a value for vehicle insurance coverage is difficult and challenging.  Insurance coverage firms have differing “appetites” for models of cars and knowledge of drivers – the company’s niche market place.

The insurance company costs their solution to attract their niche but most could not be profitable on that alone, so they offer other drivers coverage at a value the company can afford to accept.

Insurox provides insurance coverage across the country and maintains a specialist relationship with an impressive choice of national and regional firms to greatest match your needs.

Why do prime agencies like Insurox represent dozens of auto insurance coverage organizations?

To further complicate the pricing issue, auto insurance regulates by state, not federal law.

Fifty state regulatory bodies with which to comply, hundreds of models of vehicles, millions of individual drivers and their habits, and the differing motives and settings in which they drive (rural, city, commute to perform, use in perform to name a handful of).

The feasible combinations are endless, and the diversity staggering.
To respond to this reality, firms use either pricing tracks or different corporations inside the umbrella of one business.

For instance, Travelers, speaking of the umbrella, owns twenty 3 insurance firms operating in California alone.  This structure permits full regulatory compliance and the capacity to supply a broad variety of coverage to folks with varied circumstances.

Massive agencies represent several companies in order to access these many pricing tracks to greatest match your situations.  The fantastic news is they’ll do it for you.

Rather than navigating twenty web sites to get quotes, you can one particular cease shop at Insurox.  These pros will find the proper insurance coverage for your circumstances.

In addition, you can shop for home owners, condo policies and renters coverage at the exact same time to attempt to accomplish package discounts.

Massive agencies carry dozens of firms and several sorts of insurance coverage to assure the ideal fit, ideal package for most individual purchasers.

Why Auto Insurance coverage Comparison Is Important?

Important – There is NO new law allowing you to disobey traffic signals “after hours”

Question:

To whom this may concern, I would like some clarity on a matter. A while ago, there was an announcement that road users may treat red traffic lights as stop streets after 22h30. I did not research at the time whether this was ever promulgated into law but I assumed (now to my disadvantage) that this was accepted road safety law. I do recall that this came about as a result of increasing crime at night like hijacking, attempted break-ins, and traffic light theft where stationary vehicles were targeted.

Last week Friday (6/2/15), my partner and I were travelling back from a movie in Sandton at around 1am. On the presumption that this was accepted now in practice, he treated the red traffic light of corner Sandton Drive and Grayston Drive as a stop street. As he continued driving, an SAPS vehicle (not a JMPD vehicle/official) stopped him and fined him R500 for “jumping a red traffic light”. I tried to tell the Constable that this is a mistake because of the practice / rule / law that red traffic lights could be treated as stop streets after 22h30.

He denied that this was a rule and said to me that no such rule exists. Not longer than 5 minutes after we drove away after being fined, we stopped at the Sandton Drive – William Nicol Road traffic light and next to us, a JMPD vehicle (the official was on his cellular phone at the time) stopped for a short period and then drove after he saw the adjacent road was clear. The JMPD official therefore treated the traffic light as a stop street! Please would you let me know whether you are aware of the existence of this accepted practice / rule / law so that we can fight this? I would appreciate your urgent response so that I know how to treat this fine. I have tried doing research now on the web and I have hit a dead-end. Thank you and kind regards

Answer:

In short, traffic signals must be obeyed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 365 days a year.

The National Road Traffic Act makes no provision for disobeying traffic signals “after hours” and although people like JMPD spokesperson, Edna Mamonyane have made reckless statements on radio to the contrary, unfortunately, this is not backed up by law.  This said, you may make a representation and/or defend any matter you have been accused of and some judicial officers may have sympathy over the specific circumstances under which the offence was committed.

Howard Dembovsky

National Chairman – Justice Project South Africa (NPC)

Also view:

Safe Driving at Intersections

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Important – There is NO new law allowing you to disobey traffic signals “after hours”

Important things to know about your super

The Superannuation sector at present manages about $ 1.8 trillion of Australian’s retirement savings and a current report released by the Economic Services Council and ING Direct found that more than 80% of workers acknowledge superannuation as vital in delivering a comfortable retirement. Regardless of this, the report located that nearly 3 quarters of Australians are in their employer’s default fund with only 27% likely to modify their fund provider in the future. These findings are constant with numerous other indicators in the market that illustrate the disparity among significance and action when it comes to superannuation. It is my belief that the driver of this disparity is primarily influenced by the perceived complexity of Superannuation but like all complicated issues, breaking them into component parts is usually a very good initial step.

Super is a platform

It’s essential to recognize that superannuation is a ‘platform’ it’s not a single ‘product’ that is purchased. This platform bundles your retirement savings, life insurances and other services all together to enable a comfortable retirement. Pondering of it in this way allows us to pick apart the component components and decide what option very best suits your needs.

2 important inquiries

When thinking about your retirement nest egg the major queries are:

1) What growth/return am I getting on my funds?  and

2) How safe are my funds?

The value of these 2 elements was acutely evident in the expertise of many investors prior to and for the duration of the GFC. In the couple of years prior to the GFC there had been said to be just 2 types of individuals: these that have been generating funds and those that weren’t investing. Once the sub-prime market began to collapse returns and liquidity fairly rapidly dried up, the impact on a lot of people’s retirement savings was sobering – to say the least. This marketplace story is repeated throughout history but it does not mean that investors require to be crystal ball-readers of the market place to finish up in a great position.

Investment alternatives

When assessing a superannuation fund, have a close appear at the investment alternatives obtainable. These will be in 3 primary forms:

• Quantity and kinds of investment funds accessible


• Access to direct shares, and


• Access to fixed interest and term deposit merchandise.

You require to make sure that the variety of investment funds that are available to you make sense to you and fit with your investment objectives, be that growth or defensive. Also look for a excellent breadth of supplying including international funds, ethical funds and other investment classes that you may want to include in your portfolio at some stage in the future.

Another way to get access to far more investment alternatives is to make certain the fund provides members access to direct shares. This enables you to take a lot more control more than how your income is invested by providing you the alternative to invest in shares directly or take benefit of ETFs and a wider selection of investment funds. Finally, regarding your investment possibilities, it’s worth locating out whether or not there is the selection of investing straight in money goods. At times it can be prudent to have the alternative to invest a portion of your retirement nest egg in money and at that time, it will be easier if those alternatives are currently at your fingertips rather than attempting to move your income elsewhere.

Life Insurance

Life insurance coverage is one more important element in your decision of super fund. Most funds are able to provide options for cover in the case of death, disability or illness, which can support you and your family get via any unexpected events prior to retirement. In fact, some of the income protection policies within super even continue to make the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) payments whilst you are off operate, so that your retirement savings can continue for the duration of this time.

Check on the types of insurance provided within your fund of selection. The primary options are:

• Life,


• Total and Permanent Disability, and


• Earnings Protection.

Also investigate the level of cover provided. There is a much more than $ 4 million distinction among the leading and bottom levels of life insurance coverage cover in the market.

Other solutions

Lastly, verify what other services are accessible to you for the price tag that you spend. Over and above the number of investment choices, access to direct shares and term deposits it’s essential to locate out what sort of financial advice alternatives are accessible to you and how simple they are to access. Some funds have their own financial planners, some rely on third-party ne2rks and other folks have limited or no access to financial advice at all. Access to this guidance becomes especially important the closer you get to retirement but is also relevant whilst in the accumulation phase in order to ensure your contribution level, risk profile and investment strategy will provide your anticipated retirement ambitions.

Be conscious of fixed costs (which can range from $ to $ 175 annually) and variable fees (on prime of fixed charges, based on your super balance) and ensure you are comfy with the quantity becoming charged for the access and solutions you are receiving. Current compliance alter needs have meant that the Item Disclosure Statement will clearly state what you can anticipate to pay.

So do not delay in reviewing your super, it is not as scary as you might consider. Thinking of superannuation as a platform with 3 principal components – your retirement savings, insurance coverage and solutions – it can be easier to either conclude regardless of whether the fund you have selected matches your requirements or no matter whether you ought to consider moving your funds.

Prior to creating a selection it is worth speaking to an Independent Monetary Planner, as some skilled guidance now can make a significant difference in retirement.

Important things to know about your super

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

One in every 3 South African owners rated price as the most important purchase decision influencer, according to a recent study conducted by Ipsos. Price is followed by brand reputation, with roughly 16% of car owners placing great importance on the latter aspect.

This indicates that although price matters; vehicle quality, pre- and post-sales service (which contribute to brand reputation) are a key consideration for local automotive purchases; including lower-costing, ‘entry level’ buys. Adding to this, a review of official sales figures for the period October 2013 to March 2014 revealed that the more established, entry level automotive brands grew market share – of between 1% and 6%.  This is in contrast with lower-priced, new entrant brands which recorded losses in market share ranging between -1% and -4% during the same period.

It therefore appears that even for low cost vehicles, South African consumers prefer to buy a car with ‘good return’ in terms of durability, dependability and trade-in value. In some cases, opting for the lower priced, new entrant brand can come with draw backs, such as limited service and warranty plans. A few of the new entrants, low cost automotive suppliers offer 3 year / 45,000 km service plans as compared with the more established automotive brands that offer 5 year / 100,000 km service plans for new vehicle purchases ( and this includes their entry level models). Some of the new, lower-priced entrants are also much lighter on innovation and do not have boot lights, electric windows or radio.

According to Klaus Paur, Head of Ipsos’ Global Automotive, “consumers within recession-plagued and emerging markets look for the famous ‘value-for-money’ offer by demanding practical functionality while skipping on non-essential gadgets”.  To avoid negative image effects caused by these stripped down versions, some vehicle makers have an interest to protect the core marque, and launch their low cost offering under a different (budget) brand”

In South Africa, it would be a wise approach to follow for those leading automotive brands suffering a decline in sales volumes in their new entrant brands during the October 2013 to March 2014 period. With consumers prioritising quality, leading global suppliers have adopted an approach that has seen them manufacture market-entry level models that carry the car maker’s brand and are produced at quality standards similar to their higher level model ranges. Based on experiences in the developed world and other developing markets, the more established automotive suppliers are convinced that the adoption of this strategy is expected to deliver success within entry-level markets where price and brand reputation are the most important purchase decision influencers.

By James Maposa and Klaus Paur

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across 6 research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,712,4 million (2 274 M$ ) in 2013.

Visit www.ipsos.co.za to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

One in every 3 South African owners rated price as the most important purchase decision influencer, according to a recent study conducted by Ipsos. Price is followed by brand reputation, with roughly 16% of car owners placing great importance on the latter aspect.

This indicates that although price matters; vehicle quality, pre- and post-sales service (which contribute to brand reputation) are a key consideration for local automotive purchases; including lower-costing, ‘entry level’ buys. Adding to this, a review of official sales figures for the period October 2013 to March 2014 revealed that the more established, entry level automotive brands grew market share – of between 1% and 6%.  This is in contrast with lower-priced, new entrant brands which recorded losses in market share ranging between -1% and -4% during the same period.

It therefore appears that even for low cost vehicles, South African consumers prefer to buy a car with ‘good return’ in terms of durability, dependability and trade-in value. In some cases, opting for the lower priced, new entrant brand can come with draw backs, such as limited service and warranty plans. A few of the new entrants, low cost automotive suppliers offer 3 year / 45,000 km service plans as compared with the more established automotive brands that offer 5 year / 100,000 km service plans for new vehicle purchases ( and this includes their entry level models). Some of the new, lower-priced entrants are also much lighter on innovation and do not have boot lights, electric windows or radio.

According to Klaus Paur, Head of Ipsos’ Global Automotive, “consumers within recession-plagued and emerging markets look for the famous ‘value-for-money’ offer by demanding practical functionality while skipping on non-essential gadgets”.  To avoid negative image effects caused by these stripped down versions, some vehicle makers have an interest to protect the core marque, and launch their low cost offering under a different (budget) brand”

In South Africa, it would be a wise approach to follow for those leading automotive brands suffering a decline in sales volumes in their new entrant brands during the October 2013 to March 2014 period. With consumers prioritising quality, leading global suppliers have adopted an approach that has seen them manufacture market-entry level models that carry the car maker’s brand and are produced at quality standards similar to their higher level model ranges. Based on experiences in the developed world and other developing markets, the more established automotive suppliers are convinced that the adoption of this strategy is expected to deliver success within entry-level markets where price and brand reputation are the most important purchase decision influencers.

By James Maposa and Klaus Paur

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across 6 research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,712,4 million (2 274 M$ ) in 2013.

Visit www.ipsos.co.za to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

One in every 3 South African owners rated price as the most important purchase decision influencer, according to a recent study conducted by Ipsos. Price is followed by brand reputation, with roughly 16% of car owners placing great importance on the latter aspect.

This indicates that although price matters; vehicle quality, pre- and post-sales service (which contribute to brand reputation) are a key consideration for local automotive purchases; including lower-costing, ‘entry level’ buys. Adding to this, a review of official sales figures for the period October 2013 to March 2014 revealed that the more established, entry level automotive brands grew market share – of between 1% and 6%.  This is in contrast with lower-priced, new entrant brands which recorded losses in market share ranging between -1% and -4% during the same period.

It therefore appears that even for low cost vehicles, South African consumers prefer to buy a car with ‘good return’ in terms of durability, dependability and trade-in value. In some cases, opting for the lower priced, new entrant brand can come with draw backs, such as limited service and warranty plans. A few of the new entrants, low cost automotive suppliers offer 3 year / 45,000 km service plans as compared with the more established automotive brands that offer 5 year / 100,000 km service plans for new vehicle purchases ( and this includes their entry level models). Some of the new, lower-priced entrants are also much lighter on innovation and do not have boot lights, electric windows or radio.

According to Klaus Paur, Head of Ipsos’ Global Automotive, “consumers within recession-plagued and emerging markets look for the famous ‘value-for-money’ offer by demanding practical functionality while skipping on non-essential gadgets”.  To avoid negative image effects caused by these stripped down versions, some vehicle makers have an interest to protect the core marque, and launch their low cost offering under a different (budget) brand”

In South Africa, it would be a wise approach to follow for those leading automotive brands suffering a decline in sales volumes in their new entrant brands during the October 2013 to March 2014 period. With consumers prioritising quality, leading global suppliers have adopted an approach that has seen them manufacture market-entry level models that carry the car maker’s brand and are produced at quality standards similar to their higher level model ranges. Based on experiences in the developed world and other developing markets, the more established automotive suppliers are convinced that the adoption of this strategy is expected to deliver success within entry-level markets where price and brand reputation are the most important purchase decision influencers.

By James Maposa and Klaus Paur

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across 6 research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,712,4 million (2 274 M$ ) in 2013.

Visit www.ipsos.co.za to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

One in every 3 South African owners rated price as the most important purchase decision influencer, according to a recent study conducted by Ipsos. Price is followed by brand reputation, with roughly 16% of car owners placing great importance on the latter aspect.

This indicates that although price matters; vehicle quality, pre- and post-sales service (which contribute to brand reputation) are a key consideration for local automotive purchases; including lower-costing, ‘entry level’ buys. Adding to this, a review of official sales figures for the period October 2013 to March 2014 revealed that the more established, entry level automotive brands grew market share – of between 1% and 6%.  This is in contrast with lower-priced, new entrant brands which recorded losses in market share ranging between -1% and -4% during the same period.

It therefore appears that even for low cost vehicles, South African consumers prefer to buy a car with ‘good return’ in terms of durability, dependability and trade-in value. In some cases, opting for the lower priced, new entrant brand can come with draw backs, such as limited service and warranty plans. A few of the new entrants, low cost automotive suppliers offer 3 year / 45,000 km service plans as compared with the more established automotive brands that offer 5 year / 100,000 km service plans for new vehicle purchases ( and this includes their entry level models). Some of the new, lower-priced entrants are also much lighter on innovation and do not have boot lights, electric windows or radio.

According to Klaus Paur, Head of Ipsos’ Global Automotive, “consumers within recession-plagued and emerging markets look for the famous ‘value-for-money’ offer by demanding practical functionality while skipping on non-essential gadgets”.  To avoid negative image effects caused by these stripped down versions, some vehicle makers have an interest to protect the core marque, and launch their low cost offering under a different (budget) brand”

In South Africa, it would be a wise approach to follow for those leading automotive brands suffering a decline in sales volumes in their new entrant brands during the October 2013 to March 2014 period. With consumers prioritising quality, leading global suppliers have adopted an approach that has seen them manufacture market-entry level models that carry the car maker’s brand and are produced at quality standards similar to their higher level model ranges. Based on experiences in the developed world and other developing markets, the more established automotive suppliers are convinced that the adoption of this strategy is expected to deliver success within entry-level markets where price and brand reputation are the most important purchase decision influencers.

By James Maposa and Klaus Paur

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across 6 research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,712,4 million (2 274 M$ ) in 2013.

Visit www.ipsos.co.za to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

One in every 3 South African owners rated price as the most important purchase decision influencer, according to a recent study conducted by Ipsos. Price is followed by brand reputation, with roughly 16% of car owners placing great importance on the latter aspect.

This indicates that although price matters; vehicle quality, pre- and post-sales service (which contribute to brand reputation) are a key consideration for local automotive purchases; including lower-costing, ‘entry level’ buys. Adding to this, a review of official sales figures for the period October 2013 to March 2014 revealed that the more established, entry level automotive brands grew market share – of between 1% and 6%.  This is in contrast with lower-priced, new entrant brands which recorded losses in market share ranging between -1% and -4% during the same period.

It therefore appears that even for low cost vehicles, South African consumers prefer to buy a car with ‘good return’ in terms of durability, dependability and trade-in value. In some cases, opting for the lower priced, new entrant brand can come with draw backs, such as limited service and warranty plans. A few of the new entrants, low cost automotive suppliers offer 3 year / 45,000 km service plans as compared with the more established automotive brands that offer 5 year / 100,000 km service plans for new vehicle purchases ( and this includes their entry level models). Some of the new, lower-priced entrants are also much lighter on innovation and do not have boot lights, electric windows or radio.

According to Klaus Paur, Head of Ipsos’ Global Automotive, “consumers within recession-plagued and emerging markets look for the famous ‘value-for-money’ offer by demanding practical functionality while skipping on non-essential gadgets”.  To avoid negative image effects caused by these stripped down versions, some vehicle makers have an interest to protect the core marque, and launch their low cost offering under a different (budget) brand”

In South Africa, it would be a wise approach to follow for those leading automotive brands suffering a decline in sales volumes in their new entrant brands during the October 2013 to March 2014 period. With consumers prioritising quality, leading global suppliers have adopted an approach that has seen them manufacture market-entry level models that carry the car maker’s brand and are produced at quality standards similar to their higher level model ranges. Based on experiences in the developed world and other developing markets, the more established automotive suppliers are convinced that the adoption of this strategy is expected to deliver success within entry-level markets where price and brand reputation are the most important purchase decision influencers.

By James Maposa and Klaus Paur

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across 6 research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,712,4 million (2 274 M$ ) in 2013.

Visit www.ipsos.co.za to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

One in every 3 South African owners rated price as the most important purchase decision influencer, according to a recent study conducted by Ipsos. Price is followed by brand reputation, with roughly 16% of car owners placing great importance on the latter aspect.

This indicates that although price matters; vehicle quality, pre- and post-sales service (which contribute to brand reputation) are a key consideration for local automotive purchases; including lower-costing, ‘entry level’ buys. Adding to this, a review of official sales figures for the period October 2013 to March 2014 revealed that the more established, entry level automotive brands grew market share – of between 1% and 6%.  This is in contrast with lower-priced, new entrant brands which recorded losses in market share ranging between -1% and -4% during the same period.

It therefore appears that even for low cost vehicles, South African consumers prefer to buy a car with ‘good return’ in terms of durability, dependability and trade-in value. In some cases, opting for the lower priced, new entrant brand can come with draw backs, such as limited service and warranty plans. A few of the new entrants, low cost automotive suppliers offer 3 year / 45,000 km service plans as compared with the more established automotive brands that offer 5 year / 100,000 km service plans for new vehicle purchases ( and this includes their entry level models). Some of the new, lower-priced entrants are also much lighter on innovation and do not have boot lights, electric windows or radio.

According to Klaus Paur, Head of Ipsos’ Global Automotive, “consumers within recession-plagued and emerging markets look for the famous ‘value-for-money’ offer by demanding practical functionality while skipping on non-essential gadgets”.  To avoid negative image effects caused by these stripped down versions, some vehicle makers have an interest to protect the core marque, and launch their low cost offering under a different (budget) brand”

In South Africa, it would be a wise approach to follow for those leading automotive brands suffering a decline in sales volumes in their new entrant brands during the October 2013 to March 2014 period. With consumers prioritising quality, leading global suppliers have adopted an approach that has seen them manufacture market-entry level models that carry the car maker’s brand and are produced at quality standards similar to their higher level model ranges. Based on experiences in the developed world and other developing markets, the more established automotive suppliers are convinced that the adoption of this strategy is expected to deliver success within entry-level markets where price and brand reputation are the most important purchase decision influencers.

By James Maposa and Klaus Paur

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across 6 research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,712,4 million (2 274 M$ ) in 2013.

Visit www.ipsos.co.za to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

Survey finds Although Price Matters, Brand Reputation is Important for Low-Cost Vehicle Purchases

“Service and customer support are far more important than price in driving vehicles sales” – Combined Motor Holdings

Customer service the primary driver of vehicle sales
CMH now able to share best practices through CMH Connect
Company celebrating 18 months of continued growth

Service and customer support are far more important than price in driving vehicles sales, says Steve Atkinson, Franchise Director of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH).

Atkinson is actively involved in training staff across the many CMH Group dealerships, with the aim of further improving customer service.

“One would think that price is the most important consideration when buying a new car, especially in today’;s difficult economic climate,” says Atkinson, pointing at the wide array of advertisements promoting cash back discounts and better repayment rates.

“Our experience is different. Price is an important consideration and ensures that a customer makes the first contact, but after that sales support and service become the key purchase drivers.”

Atkinson speaks from more than 2 decades of experience, having being part of the CMH team that re-established Volvo in South Africa in 1994. Today he manages a wide range of vehicle brands for the CMH Group and has a bird’;s eye view of the best practices amongst various dealers.

“The old adage holds true, people buy from people,” says Atkinson. “The relationship and level of service received from a sales consultant or specific dealer are much better indicators of sales success and return business than the sales price.”

Having identified the key drivers of vehicle sales, Atkinson champions the training initiatives in the CMH Group and is entrusted with sharing best practices across the 59 dealerships that CMH operates across brands as diverse as BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, MG and Volvo through the company’;s unique CMH Connect platform.

Steve Atkinson

“We have the powerful advantage of being able to study sales support and customer reaction across all types of brands. At the same time our technical staff has many years of institutional memory on servicing and maintaining passenger and commercial vehicles. We are now creating a platform on which they can share this to ultimately serve our customers better,” says Atkinson.

CMH is a South African listed company that specialises in the automotive industry. Apart from its franchise operations it has divisions in a wide range of other sectors, including finance, insurance, lifestyle, marine and vehicle rental through First Car Rental.

“Thanks to this culture of sharing best practices and improving skills we have shown 18 months of continued growth, says Jebb McIntosh, CEO of the CMH Group. “This, alongside several dealer awards from brands such as Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo is proof enough of the value of good customer service.”

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

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“Service and customer support are far more important than price in driving vehicles sales” – Combined Motor Holdings