FAW Harrismith, which opened on 4 March this year, is now a full FAW sales and service branch and part of the growing FAW South Africa dealer network. The Free State facility was previously an independent dealer that sold FAW vehicles, as well as a number of passenger car and bakkie brands. FAW South Africa however decided to purchase the dealership outright and then invested considerably in its renewal and repurposing. FAW Harrismith recently sold its first new truck since reopening – a FAW 6.130FL 3.5-ton with dropside body – to an existing FAW client who is the proud owner of a FAW 15.180FL, bought in 2015. The customer’s business is located in Tshiame, an industrial area just a few kilometres out of town on the N5 towards Bethlehem, where it manufactures and installs steel silos on farms both locally and in some neighbouring African countries. The FAW 6.130FL 3.5-tonner is the perfect alternative to a bakkie and trailer which is sometimes used to get the company’s work done. FAW Harrismith is located on the main transport route between Johannesburg and Durban on the N3 and is also within close proximity to the N5, which makes the facility a strategic service point for the FAW brand. “A lot of FAW’s were – and continue to be – sold in Harrismith”, says FAW Harrismith branch manager, Louis de la Rouvière. “We have had numerous enquiries already on new trucks to both new and existing customers, and the word is spreading that we are now a fully-fledged FAW dealer”. Not only does FAW Harrismith sell new FAW trucks, but boasts a complete sales and service operation for fleet and truck owners. There is a need for truck servicing, repairs and parts to compliment our newly revamped workshop”.  He adds that the current staff complement of seven people will soon expand to nine or even 10 as demands indicates. The revamped dealership looks after FAW customers from the Villiers toll gate all the way to the toll plaza at Van Reenen’s Pass, after which the region can also be served by FAW Pinetown. The fully automated, online system that FAW South Africa is rolling out countrywide handles parts, sales and warranties and will be implemented shortly. He says in this regard, training is ongoing in order to provide great service to truckers in the area and to those passing through, further enhancing the customer sales and service experience. De la Rouvière adds that his team are well versed in the sales field and all have local knowledge and experience. “Now, we are working on FAW trucks exclusively and attend to all FAW after sales services in the area, there are also FAW people on standby during the week and on weekends” he concludes.