There were over 600 vehicle sales worth more than R40 million in October by the McCarthy Call-A-Car operation in SA.
Its owners, McCarthy Motor Holdings, says its telephone and Internet operation is proving so successful that a further R1.2 million has been spent modernising its Sandton-based hub.
The money has been spent on upgrading systems, training and modernisation of the facility.
According to Des Wiseman, GM of Call-A-Car, turnover has grown from R2.8 million a month in July 1998 to R35 million a month.
The call centre has continued to post records, even when trends in the motor business have been negative. Average monthly sales are now running at over 500 units and increasing. In October they reached 603 cars, which Lourens Botha, MD of McCarthy On-Line, says averaged R70 000 in value, with total sales of some R42 million, not including trade-ins.
"The human side of the business is showing through very strongly and this, I believe, is contributing to the overall success of Call-A-Car," says Botha.
Call-A-Car`s Internet sales now contribute between 40% and 45% of all its car sales.
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