Kunene Brothers partner Bidvest in BMW venture

Bidvest, which also has interests in two other BMW dealerships, namely Forsdicks Pinetown BMW and Forsdicks Tygervalley BMW, stated that the decision to partner with KBH stemmed from their existing relationship with KBH, where they enjoy a good partnership in another business venture.

Expanding partnership interests

"We believe that the current partnership will grow to be extremely successful. Both parties bring an established business ethos built on integrity and customer satisfaction to the new venture," says Steve Keys, CEO of Bidvest Automotive. "Ultimately, Kunene Brothers Sandton will be a new business, with new shareholders offering discerning BMW customers a new proposition of refined premium service."

The Kunene Brothers have been known for their entrepreneurial interests in the automotive industry, since 1997. All five of the Kunene brothers have a love for cars so it was a natural fit to include the automotive sector in their investment portfolio. The recent move into the BMW fold and extended partnership with Bidvest Automotive, highlights KBH's intention of expanding their interests in this sector.

"Our immediate goal is to establish this BMW dealership as one of the best, most well-known and successful BMW dealerships in Gauteng. Beyond this, we envisage to expand the number of BMW dealerships we have interests in throughout the country," says Zanosi Kunene of KBH.

Supporting the automotive industry

According to Kunene, the automotive industry has produced a good return on capital over the years, even during challenging times. "We are committed to the automotive industry because we believe it is and will remain one of the key pillars of the South African economy," says Kunene.

Kunene goes on to say that KBH is proud to be associated with the BMW brand.

"It means a great deal to us, having a company like BMW South Africa believe in what we have achieved as business people in South Africa, through our active ownership model. This move also presents an opportunity for our family to develop our succession plan by having a third generation member extensively trained in the automotive field," says Kunene.

Both Bidvest Automotive and BMW South Africa will be facilitating a rotational mentorship programme for Phumelelakahle Kunene, the son of Dudu Kunene, with the objective of training and grooming him into the role of dealer principal.