As South Africans keep their vehicles for longer, aftersales service and dealership experience are becoming critical drivers of long-term brand loyalty, according to Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
With the average vehicle in South Africa now more than a decade old, reliable servicing, parts availability and consistent dealership support are increasingly shaping the ownership experience.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa says the trend is reflected in its own aftersales performance. In 2025 alone, the company serviced more than 360 000 vehicles across its national dealer network while its internal data shows that average customer retention for the 7-year car park is 80%.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa says the relationship between a customer and a vehicle brand now extends far beyond the showroom floor.
“Today’s customers expect more than just a quality vehicle. They expect a reliable, transparent and consistent service experience throughout their ownership journey,” says Anderson. “For us, the dealership network and our aftersales offering are just as important as the vehicles themselves when it comes to building trust with customers.”
According to Anderson, Hyundai’s broad vehicle line-up is increasingly positioning the brand as a one-stop mobility solution for South African consumers navigating different life stages and budgets.
“From accessible entry-level models for first-time buyers to family SUVs and premium offerings, the range allows customers to remain within the Hyundai stable as their needs evolve. This is particularly relevant in a price-sensitive market, where buyers are seeking value without sacrificing features, safety or reliability.”
Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s aftersales performance has also received international recognition, with the company being awarded the 2025 Best Distributor of the Year Award at the Hyundai Motor Company Global Service Seminar in Delhi, India.
“In today’s market, the sale of a vehicle is just the beginning of the customer relationship,” says Michael Rohde, Aftersales Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa. “Brands that invest in service excellence and customer experience will ultimately be the ones that retain customers for the long term.”
