Articles

The Imperial Group acquires Danmar Autobody - 29 November 2010

In a move, to further complement the automotive sector, the Imperial Group has acquired the Danmar Autobody Group. The acquisition, which took place on the 1st October 2010, will enhance Imperials’ standing in the automotive sector through the addition of reputable panel shops into its already impressive stable. The business will continue to trade as Danmar Autobody, a division of the Imperial Group.  

Already the biggest motor vehicle retail brand(s) in South Africa, Imperial has more than 250 dealers representing all major retail vehicle brands.

According to Osman Arbee, Director: Imperial Holdings, “The acquisition provides a sound growth strategy for the Imperial Group. While our business model stretches across the motor retail industry; car rental market; Government and fleet, Imperial has identified auto body repair as a future focus.  As a result, the purchase of, Danmar Autobody ensures that Imperial is able to offer quality vehicle repair services to all customers through each step of the motor vehicle lifecycle in the Gauteng area.”

Danmar, which, started in 1989, has grown to be formidable player in the automotive repair industry.  The group now comprises four state-of-the-art, up-market auto repair facilities, with branches in Ophirton, Sandton, Edenvale and Roodepoort (which also has a commercial division). As a member of a number of recognized motor industry institutions, Danmar Autobody ensures that their facilities and highly skilled staff reflect their commitment to excellence in automotive repairs and customer service. This quality and customer focused philosophy is further evident in that all vehicles under manufacturer warranty are fitted with original manufacturer parts.

According to Hennie Smith, Managing Director of Danmar Autobody, “The influence of Imperial will enable Danmar to become the benchmark in the Autobody repair industry.  Additionally, since Imperial retails every ‘meaningful’ brand in South Africa, the alliance offers us access to one of the best parts infrastructures in the market”.

“The strategy is to expand quality vehicle repair service to all customers nationally through the pursuit of technical leadership, good corporate governance, uncompromised quality and excellent service.  Today, Danmar Autobody is ideally positioned to provide outstanding service to Insurance Companies, brokers, fleet owners and the general public with the Imperial backing the customer will have peace of mind.”

Danmar differentiates itself in the marketplace through a sound quality assurance process, which allows customers to return vehicles with a commitment to fix the vehicle within 3 working days. To further enhances its customer commitment, the company keeps customer informed during the entire repair process via e-mail and SMS technology. As a result of this business ethos, the company enjoys a 95% customer satisfaction level (as measured by an independent research body). “Danmar Autobody’s strong manufacture approval, together with their customer service approach, has created a solid plat-form for the success and growth of this venture,” concludes Arbee.

Editorial Notes:

• Danmar Autobody is a division of the Imperial group
• 21 year experience in the automotive industry
• Four state of the art facilities with branches in Ophirton, Sandton, Edenvale and Roodepoort
• Repair passenger and commercial vehicles
• We employ 285 people
• 24 500 m” workshop space
• Warranty on workmanship and paint repairs
  

For any further information, contact:
Hennie Smith
Managing Director of Danmar Autobody
Email: hsmith@iab.co.z