Volvo Cars has been an innovative leader since 1927 when the first Volvo rolled off the production line. So, it is no surprise that Volvo Cars Hillcrest is not only home to a respected premium car brand, but is also the first local dealership to incorporate the innovation of the Volvo Retail Experience concept.
It is said that Scandinavians are practically perfect in every way and one visit to Volvo Cars Hillcrest will confirm this perfection. Breaking the showroom status quo, Volvo Cars Hillcrest clients get to lounge on designer furniture, enjoy free Wi-Fi and are served coffee made in the popular café Lineage.
Volvo Cars Hillcrest owner, Vaughn Marescia says Volvo’s business model is about the people. The aim of the uniquely designed dealership is to provide customers with a new retail experience in a relaxing environment that informs and provides flexible waiting, working and assessment areas.
From the way you are greeted to the music we play and the coffee we serve, we ensure our customers experience with us is as luxurious as possible.’
Speaking about the new dealership, Vaughn says, ‘We are excited to compete in the premium sector especially from a servicing perspective. We opened this dealership for clients in the Upper Highway to provide them with service in an amazing location and most importantly their convenience.’
The man behind the wheel
For Vaughan Marescia it was his love for cars and his sheer determination that led him to where he is today – co-director and owner of three Volvo dealerships and a member of the Volvo Dealer Council of South Africa, a first for a person of colour.
Born and raised in Wentworth, his first steps into the motoring world happened 18 years ago when he qualified for the McCarthy Cadet Programme. Unbeknown, the knowledge he gained in corporate, leadership and development skills those years would stand him in good standing later in life.
After graduating from the McCarthy Business School in 2005, Vaughn joined McCarthy Peugeot Pinetown as a salesman and three years later he was made the dealership’s sales manager.
Hungry for more and having a desire to commence business differently, Vaughn and his former McCarthy colleague, Filby Singh, took the initiative to buy their own dealership and established the Filby Marescia Group Motor Holdings (FMGH), with Filby focussing on the aftersales and workshop side of the business and Vaughn directing the sales side, the rest was history.
FMGH Volvo Cars Pietermaritzburg is celebrating its sixth successful year and was the catalyst for Volvo Cars Pinetown opening in 2016 and Volvo Cars Hillcrest opening last September.
Being a people’s person and a philanthropic by nature, Vaughn has been involved with the non-profit organisation, Meals on Wheels, that feeds thousands of people daily. For the past 14 years he has worked effortlessly to assist with the “wheels that deliver the meals” for the organisation and has 280 vehicles operating between the 513 kitchens around the country.
Why choose Volvo Cars?
Volvo Cars is about future driving. Every vehicle is designed around the customer’s needs using the best available technology to serve you and combining technologies to deliver new experiences.
Volvo represents forward thinking. Volvo Cars use renewable earth-friendly materials in all its vehicles.
Volvo is a world leader in car safety. It aims and focuses on systematic approaches to keep all customers safe when driving.
Volvo Cars – a winning brand
Volvo XC 60: World car of the year (2018)
Volvo XC 40: Women’s world car of the year (2019)
Volvo Xc 90: South African Car of the Year (2017)
To become acquainted with the Volvo family environment and to experience true Swedish luxury, visit Volvo Cars Hillcrest at 37B Old Main Road, Hillcrest, follow us on Facebook: VolvoCars FMGH Hillcrest or call 031 765 5000. The showroom is open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5pm, Saturdays 8.30am to 12.30 and on selected Sundays.
