Sales Representative - Automotive
Overview
Automotive Sales Representatives guide customers through the vehicle purchasing journey, from initial consultation through test drives to financing and delivery, representing vehicle brands and ensuring customer satisfaction to build long-term relationships.
- 1Greet showroom visitors and qualify their vehicle needs and budget
- 2Demonstrate vehicle features, benefits, and technological innovations
- 3Conduct test drives and provide comparative vehicle information
- 4Negotiate pricing, trade-in values, and finance terms
- 5Coordinate with finance and insurance departments for deal structuring
- 6Process vehicle sales documentation and purchase agreements
- 7Achieve monthly unit sales and gross profit targets
- 8Follow up with leads from marketing campaigns and referrals
- 9Maintain showroom vehicle displays and cleanliness standards
- 10Stay updated on manufacturer incentives and promotional offers
- 11Build referral networks and customer loyalty for repeat business
- 12Manage CRM system for lead tracking and customer communication
Education
Matric/Grade 12; Automotive or Sales qualification beneficial
Experience
1-3 years sales experience; automotive sector advantageous
Skills
- ✓Consultative selling and needs analysis
- ✓Product knowledge and technical understanding
- ✓Negotiation and objection handling
- ✓Finance and insurance product awareness
- ✓Customer relationship management
- ✓Showroom presentation skills
- ✓Closing techniques and deal structuring
- ✓After-sales service coordination
Setting
Showroom-based with occasional off-site customer visits
Hours
Typically 8am-6pm weekdays plus Saturday trading; rotational Sundays
Travel
Minimal - primarily showroom-based
Physical Demands
Light - walking showroom floor and test drive accompaniment
Salary Range
R6,000 - R12,000 base salary plus commission
Structure
Low base with high commission potential (R25,000-R50,000 total earnings for performers)
Benefits
Demo vehicle, medical aid, performance bonuses, manufacturer incentive trips
Challenges
- •Long sales cycles and decision-making processes
- •Economic sensitivity affecting vehicle affordability
- •Intense competition from multiple dealerships
- •Pressure to meet monthly unit targets
Opportunities
- •High earning potential for top performers
- •Manufacturer recognition and incentive travel
- •Progression to new, used, or fleet sales management
- •Development into dealership principal roles
Industry Trends
- •Electric vehicle knowledge becoming essential
- •Online lead generation and digital showrooms
- •Subscription and mobility services sales
- •Enhanced focus on customer experience metrics