Training on Caltex lubricants

To help give customers the best service possible, the Autoworld sales team were recently briefed on lubricants. This took place at the Caltex Lubricant Products training session held in the Autoworld Head Office Boardroom on 7th June 2016. The workshop was run by Mr Miti, the Managing Director of Universal Oil Marketing Company Ltd, which is the sole distributor of Caltex oils in Zambia.

Training covered the following:
•    The composition of lubricating oil
•    The functions of a lubricating oil
•    The different classes of lubricating oils
•    The jargon on the tin
•    The importance of recommending the correct oil to customers
The students learned that lubricating oil is composed of base oil + lubricating oil additive (LOA). To make grease, soap is added to this mix. They also learned that you can’t mix one brand of oil with another. It may compromise the life of the vehicle.

The Autoworld salesmen appreciated learning more about lubricants from Mr Miti. It has equipped them to advise customers even better and sell the right lubricants to them.

June monthly special - 15% off Hi-FASE batteries

If you missed last month's special offer on batteries, we're giving you a second chance!! Replace your old battery with a quality Hi-FASE battery whilst saving 15%! Offer starts Thursday 2nd June for one week only. Available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station, while stocks last.

May monthly special - 15% off Hi-FASE batteries

Here's your chance to replace your old battery with a quality Hi-FASE battery whilst saving 15%! Offer starts Thursday 5th May for one week only. Available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station, while stocks last.

Autoworld Stars football news — from Brian Mununka, Team Co-ordinator

The intrepid Autoworld players on the night

Autoworld Stars squandered a two goal lead to succumb to a 3 - 6 defeat to UTH Doctors at the Olympia Youth Development Centre, Friday evening, 15 April 2016.
 
As the whistle blew to signal the start of the match, it took only a few minutes for the two teams to gain momentum as they both tried to win control of mid-field.

“Playing left back, Brian Mununka cut through the middle for a square pass to Andrew Malembeka who made no mistake slotting home the opener. ”

The Doctors piled so much pressure, but the Autoworld team managed to thwart their counter attacks. In no time, Brian set up Claude for the second goal of the night. Misheck had not completely recovered from malaria and had to pull out in the first few minutes. This left Andrew to do all the solo runs upfront.

“Towards the end of the first half, the Autoworld team was caught napping. Three goals were quickly scored by the Doctors as a result of some masterful play in mid-field. And so the first half ended 2 - 3 in favour of the Doctors.”

In the second half, Autoworld made a few changes but this somehow worked against the team, with some sloppy defending. This allowed the visitors to score another three quick goals to kill off the match. Nevertheless, the Autoworld team pushed throughout the second half to make amends. But they could not find the net until late in the game when Andrew scored his second goal of the night from the edge of the 18 yard box with a cool volley finish. 

“And so it ended 3 - 6 in favour of the Doctors. We’re looking forward to a re-match with the UTH Doctors’ team as they really gave us a good run! ”

UTH Doctors team - victors for a season

Mega Tyre Sale!!

Now's your chance to replace those worn tyres. Autoworld is giving a full 20% discount off its full range of tyres and tubes! BUT ...

This Mega Tyre Sale is for just one week - 20th - 27th April, while stocks last.

Don't miss out - enjoy smooth-sailing both on the road and at road blocks ...

Get down to your nearest Autoworld branch today!

April monthly special - 15% off ECOGEN generators and ABAC compressors

Now's your chance to buy your ECOGEN generator with a saving of 15%. Find out here how these generators can help you with load-shedding issues.

Also on offer at 15% discount are ABAC compressors. Ideal for filling tyres, cleaning engines, powering air tools, and any DIY or industrial compressed air need.

EXOGEN generators and ABAC compressors are available at this discount for 1 week only!

Offer starts the first Thursday of each month and is available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Stations while stocks last.

Autoworld awarded 'most valued distributor' certificate by GUD Filters

Autoworld is proud of its recent award from GUD filters - 'Most Valued Distributor'! G.U.D. Holdings is South Africa's leading automotive filter brand. GUD has been manufacturing filters since 1949, with production facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Cape Town and Zimbabwe. GUD places great emphasis on quality to exceed the requirements of all its market.

A load shedding solution at 15% off!

Photo credit The Post Newspaper Zambia

Load shedding is still a major issue wherever there is electric power. Back up generators and battery storage are popular solutions. Autoworld supplies ECOGEN generators, Su-Kam Digital Signal Processor Sine Wave inverters and EnerSys PowerSafe batteries, with spare parts always in stock. ECOGEN generators easily integrate into an inverter and battery storage system.

We are offering a massive 15% discount off all ECOGEN generators (and ABAC compressors) from April 7th to 13th. Visit one of our showrooms by Wednesday April 13th to take advantage of this amazing discount!

Discuss your specific power supply needs with our expert team. We’ll talk you through everything and refer you to an electrician who can help install the system you choose.

Autoworld participates in International Women’s Day event - by Margaret Mali

Autoworld staff at the International Women's Day event at Lusaka Showgrounds

8th March marks International Women’s Day. Each year Autoworld ladies participate in this colourful event. This year’s theme was ‘PLANET 50/50 BY 2030: STEP IT UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY’. Women from Government, private sector, NGOs and political parties, all convened at Lusaka Showground to celebrate the day.

His Excellency President Lungu graced the occasion and toured the various stands where organisations were showcasing their products and services. The President pointed out that International Women’s Day has been an opportunity to recognise, build and support the contribution of women as critical partners in national development since Zambia’s Independence in 1964.

There were also several women speakers: Prof Nkandu Luo the Gender Minister, Sara Longwe from NGOCC and Janet Rogan, United Nationals resident coordinator.

The nine Autoworld women, with four male counterparts, had a great time touring the stands and taking the opportunity to get to know each other better. It was lots of fun and many ‘selfies’ were taken. Our lovely outfits were complemented by all and we totally agreed!

We are looking forward to our participation next year when we plan to showcase more of our products. Special gratitude goes toward management for making it possible for us to attend this event. Many thanks also to the gentlemen who came to support us on the day.

A great day out for Autoworld staff at the International Women's Day event

March monthly special — 15% off all GUD filters

Why do your air, fuel and oil filters need changing regularly? Find out what all the fuss is about here.

And enjoy a great 15% discount off all GUD filters this month with Autoworld's latest offer. Available at all Autoworld participating branches across Zambia, and Impala Service Station in Lusaka, while stocks last.

(GUD filters are made to the highest standard and have achieved the coveted Ford Q1 status.)

The single most important factor in ensuring trouble-free motoring in Africa

You can change the air filter yourself - or go to the professionals ...

As Jaguar Land Rover Academy's Trevor Drawwater says, "In Africa, filter maintenance is the single most important factor in ensuring trouble-free motoring." If you get that right, then a big percentage of your vehicle worries will never even start! The two golden rules are:

1) Replace all three filters regularly (air, fuel and oil)
2) Always use a good quality filter brand

So why is it so important to keep changing the filters?
In Africa we get a lot of dust. Your vehicle's air filter has to absorb all that dust from the air sucked into the engine, purifying it before it reaches the engine's delicate parts. Secondly the fuel may not always be as pure as it should be. This time the fuel filter has to set to work purifying the fuel. Thirdly Africa tends to be hot. So the oil filter has to do a perfect job, as the oil going into the system has to transfer the heat out as well as grease the engine's moving parts.

All in all, filters need to be in tip-top condition to ensure a car engine is able to function optimally.

Why GUD?
The quality of GUD Filters is audited regularly by OEMs to ensure their specific requirements are met; and they have achieved the coveted Ford Q1 Status. In addition, the South African Bureau of Standards regularly assesses GUD Filters to TS 16949: 2009. 

Autoworld is offering a generous 15% off all GUD filters this month, starting Thursday 3rd march 2016. So now's a 'gud' time to replace your filters! You can do it yourself, but it may be a better idea to go to the professionals. This service is available at all Autoworld branches except for Buseko in Lusaka.

Autoworld Accounts Dept outing to Protea Safari Lodge, by Margaret Mali

Accounts Dept staff at Protea Safari Lodge

Thanks to Autoworld management, Feb 13th 2016 was not the usual humdrum day for Autoworld’s Accounts Department. Everyone was anxious to wrap up early, looking forward to a relaxing afternoon at Protea Safari Lodge in Chisamba. We arrived just in time for lunch – a sumptuous meal that quickly had everyone in a good mood, laughing and chatting.  

Then the group took a stroll to see the lions. What a sight! We watched at very close range as the lions mauled a piece of meat. Then on to the game viewing trip. This was a splendid experience, getting back in touch with nature in the bush. Antelopes of all kinds were spotted - hartebeest, zebra, kudu, waterbuck, impala and sable.

As we crossed the road, the tour guide pointed out a large and rare monitor lizard crawling into the long savannah grass. Apparently this was a very poisonous type that people should be wary of.   

On returning to the lodge, the group sat in a circle and played a “brain teaser” game. The first person begins by clapping twice then mentioning a letter, for instance A to the person seated next to them. That person had to immediately say any word beginning with A. If he or she hesitated, then they dropped out of the game. The game progressed well with no drop outs at first: A for Apple, P for Paul, C for Cat and so on. But then it reached Q and the next person shouted “Cucumber”; followed by G and the next person blurted out “Jump”. Hilarious! By then we were in high spirits and laughed all the way home.

February monthly special — 15% off all Castrol lubricants

Read more about Castrol lubricants and how Castrol technology is currently being used to improve the performance of a leading sports challenge.

Castrol, the America's Cup and your engine lubrication needs

The Landrover BAR boat and racing team

Castrol is the world's leading manufacturer of premium lubricating oils not only for the automotive and marine trades but also for applications such as industrial, aviation and oil exploration. The America's Cup is the oldest international sports trophy, originally awarded in 1851. Next year Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR team is seeking to bring this cup back to the UK by winning the challenger Louis Vuitton Cup and then the America's Cup itself.

And what's the America's Cup got to do with Castrol? On January 22 2106 it was announced that Castrol's liquid engineering will flow through Land Rover BAR’s challenge! Castrol lubricants will be used to improve the performance of the boat’s hydraulics and its overall efficiency in its America’s Cup bid.

“Whether you’re a boat enthusiast or just someone looking for quality engine oil for your car, you can also experience the benefits of Castrol technology right here in Zambia! ”

Autoworld is one of the foremost distributors of Castrol lubricants in Zambia. As vehicle experts we have carefully selected engine oil brands and products that withstand the demands of Zambia’s driving environment. So, check your car’s manual for engine oil specifications and visit in-store to discuss what’s best for your vehicle.

And this month Autoworld's offering a 15% discount on Castro lubricants at any of our branches - from 4th - 10th February 2016!

P.S. Get kitted out for the coming fishing season at the Autoworld Downtown branch which specialises in boats. If you're a water sports enthusiast, you'll also find lots to interest you at Autoworld Downtown.

Engen, customer service and health and safety training provided to Autoworld staff

At Autoworld we recognise the value of regular training. We make an effort to constantly offer our employees the opportunity to improve and increase their knowledge through a variety of learning programmes. Here’s a couple of recent training events organised for Autoworld staff.

Drivers and support staff proudly display their certificates with Autoworld trainer Dr Davis Malembeka

Engen Lubricants training session

On January 15, 2016 we received a team of experts from Engen Petroleum Zambia to train our salesmen in Engen lubricants. Participants first learned a little background to Engen the company.

“With headquarters in South Africa, Engen is present in over 20 countries, and exports its products to over 30 more countries, mostly in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. ”

Petronas Lubricants International, is a major Engen shareholder and supplies Engen products to even more countries. Petronas also supplies Syntium products through Engen distributors. Syntium and Engen products are both made to the same high standard using the identical techniques that are tried and tested.

Our salesmen learned that Engen produces two types of lubricants:

1. Mineral oils - made from ‘crude oil’ that occurs naturally
2. Synthetic oils - man-made oils carefully engineered in laboratories using hydrocarbon as a raw material.

Synthetic oils are preferred by many engine manufacturers because of their improved fuel economy, wider operating limits and better wear protection.

The Engen trainers explained in depth about particular Engen products such as:

• Agritrac Super Universal
• Dieselube 700 Super
• Xtreme 5W-40
• Different multigrades

Participants were briefed on the importance of supplying customers with the right specification and quality of lubricant for their particular vehicle and usage. Oils are made to suit a particular engine or gearbox in terms of the year of make of the engine, type of fuel (petrol or diesel), and the required viscosity (depending on temperature). Quality lubricants will extend the life-span of the engine.

You can buy a full range of Engen lubricants at Autoworld branches throughout Zambia.

Training for drivers and support staff

Recently, Autoworld trainer Dr. Davis Malembeka also ran a training session. This was for Autoworld drivers and support staff covering the importance of having a positive professional attitude at all times. It covered important topics like customer service principles as well as health and safety at work. 

As usual, certificates of attendance were issued to all participants - something we all take great pride in.

Staff News - competition winners

We recently held a couple of in-house promotions: Best Spanjaard Salesman and Hardest Working Warehouse Storeman. Here are the competition winners.

1. Competition winner - Best Spanjaard Salesman

In April 2015 salesmen at Autoworld and its sister company Impala Service Station were set a challenge – to sell as many Spanjaard products as they could! Just to make the challenge worth fighting for, Spanjaard South Africa generously donated a smart phone. With such a great prize up for grabs, conversation amongst the salesmen centred on the great Spanjaard product range stocked across all Autoworld branches, as well as Impala Service Station.

For a whole month every salesman put in their best effort marketing Spanjaard. However there could only be one winner! The “man with a plan” for the month of April was Mr Lloyd Simwami, a key salesman at Impala Service station.  Well done Lloyd for this remarkable achievement!

Lloyd has worked for Impala Service Station for the last 8 years. Before taking up the role of salesman Lloyd was an impressive fuel attendant, the first face you would see on the forecourt. Now he sells, and has acquired a great deal of knowledge on a huge range of products.

2. Competition winner - Hardest Working Warehouse Storeman

The Autoworld warehouse at Head Office recently held a competition to award the hardest working employee in that department over a 15 week period. The warehouse is the heart beat of Autoworld and it wasn’t easy to choose a winner as everyone works hard. We used the following criteria to choose the one who most deserved to be in first place:

1. Identify the fastest moving items in your product range and make sure these items are fully stocked at all times
2. Notice any items that are damaged or defaced and have them removed or replaced
3. Spot items with bar-code errors and correct them
4. Regularly keep management informed about your stock

The winner was Mambwe Chanda, who walked away with a Samsung S4mini cell phone. 2nd place was Musa Mumba; and 3rd place was Paul Machwani. Many congratulations to Mambwe.

So what do we know about the winner? Mambwe Chanda, nick named ‘the walking computer’, joined Autoworld in 2001. He enjoys being part of the team that ‘keeps Zambia moving’. On receiving his prize he thanked management for recognising the hard work he puts in. He warned the rest of the warehouse team that he is ready to compete and win everything in the near future!

Let’s not forget that without team work all this would not be possible.