“Over the past year we have succeeded to establish MAHLE Original and Knecht as premium brands in the southern African region, in particular with regards to engine parts and filters. We were able to demonstrate that we fully meet the quality standards and expertise requirements for OE activities. What’s more, with the opening of the sales office in Port Elizabeth, we have been able to serve the market more efficiently, intensify customer proximity, and successfully build up contacts in the neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Angola. Last but not least, the short response times and professional customer support provided by our local team have been key to our success”, explained Georges Mourad, head of MAHLE Aftermarket Middle East and Africa. “Workshops today are asking for our brands!”

Expansion of product range to meet local demand
MAHLE Aftermarket is planning to gradually expand its range of services and support over the next few years. The product range Pwill also be developed and tailored to local conditions in South 2/3 Africa. “South Africa has a highly diversified vehicle fleet and the brand diversity is extremely high. This in turn holds great potential for the MAHLE brands, which combine OE competence with what is already today a broad and deep product range”, continues Mourad. In this context, MAHLE Aftermarket—the spare parts and service specialist—will also be presenting thermostats and turbochargers alongside engine parts and filters at Automechanika Johannesburg 2015.

MAHLE Letrika: a new subsidiary of the group
Letrika, the most recent MAHLE subsidiary, showcases alternators and starter motors for agricultural and construction machinery at Automechanika Johannesburg. Letrika is a major global player in this market segment in particular and is well positioned both in the original equipment and spare parts business. The company forms the new “Electric Drives and Applications” profit centre in the MAHLE Group.

About MAHLE
MAHLE is a technology leader in the areas of engine systems, filtration, electrics/mechatronics, and thermal management. In 2014, some 66,000 employees at around 150 production locations and ten major research and development centres generated sales of approximately EUR 10 billion.

About MAHLE Aftermarket

The MAHLE Aftermarket business unit is partner to repair shops and trade, offering first-rate service solutions with its special equipment and spare parts in original equipment quality. MAHLE Aftermarket is represented at 22 locations worldwide, with 1,593 employees, and generated sales of EUR 836 million in 2014. Visitors to the Automechanika Johannesburg international trade fair for the automotive industry will find out more about MAHLE Aftermarket in Hall 6, Stand 6F012 or at www.mahle-aftermarket.com

Further queries:
MAHLE Aftermarket GmbH
Pamela Berner
Corporate Communications/Public Relations
Pragstrasse 26–46
70376 Stuttgart
Germany
E-mail: pamela.berner@mahle.com
Phone: +49 711 501-13185
Fax: +49 711 501-13700