While the opening of new ventures towards the end of last year was probably the last thing on most people’s minds after a pretty torrid 2016, it was top of mind for Volvo Group Southern Africa which announced the opening of a new aftersales facility in Luanda, Angola.
But hang on – this is not just your normal aftersales facility. It is huge and was established by Auto Sueco Angola and Auto-Maquinaria, companies of the Nors Group at an investment of US$35-million (R404,4-million at the current exchange rate).
“This state-of-the-art facility will serve as the perfect platform to deliver world-class service and support to Volvo Trucks customers in the region,” said Torbjörn Christensson, president of Volvo Group Southern Africa. “The relationship between Auto Sueco and Volvo goes back over 80 years and we are proud to partner with them in this great new location to strengthen our footprint in this very strategic country.”
Christensson said the company’s ever-expanding dealer network is aimed at supporting customers wherever their business takes them across southern and eastern Africa.
“Our quality aftermarket support, combined with our Volvo Trucks product range, proves we are serious about providing fleet owners with total transport solutions that contributes to their businesses’ profitability. And this new facility is key to the success of this objective,” says Christensson.
With a total area of ten hectares, a covered area of close to 140 000 m², the new facility is conveniently located on one of the main access routes to the capital, Luanda, and is in strategic proximity to the planned airport. Apart from the various support services, the facilities also include a social building that houses a canteen, shower rooms, changing rooms, as well as a medical and nursing office, to support around 110 employees.
“As far as Nors, Auto Sueco Angola and Auto-Maquinaria are concerned, this is a another important moment in their long history of over 25 years of channelling investments into Angola and of the commitment to all our customers in this market,” says Tomás Jervell, CEO of the Nors Group. “It is also another milestone in the long and successful partnership with the Volvo Group.”
The new facility is equipped with some of the world’s leading technology and equipment in aftersales care and the large workshops enable the dealership staff to effectively adhere to customer’s exacting requirements.
“We know this new facility will also provide an inspiring, productive and safe workplace for the dealer staff which I am sure will motivate and encourage them in their daily task of delivering a dependable and professional service to Volvo Trucks customers,” says Christensson.
Take a look at the accompanying photographs to give you an idea of the size of this facility. Who would have thought of this in Angola?
