AVTS celebrates 20 years of safer vehicles

On the 12th of December 2012, AVTS reached the milestone of 20 years of operation. Established in 1992 at a time when roadworthy testing was first privatized, the business has transformed itself to meet the challenges of its environment. A very welcoming public, who had been tired of queuing at the limited public test stations at the time, supported the growth and expansion of AVTS as it became well known as a pioneer in the industry. Today, AVTS performs an average of 55,000 tests and quality inspections per year; primarily servicing motor dealers, fleet operators and private motorists.

FORMIDABLE PARTNERSHIP

AVTS has 7 branches in the Western Cape; and will continue to grow, having partnered with global multi-national company, TÜV SÜD in 2010. According to Ferose Oaten, Managing Director of AVTS, this partnership has brought innovation and international expertise.

Headquartered in Munich, and operating in over 600 locations, TÜV SÜD is a leading global player with activities in Industry Services, Mobility and Certification among their various undertakings. It employs around 17,000 people in 67 countries across the world. TÜV SÜD South Africa has rapidly developed its business in the country, and despite the current economic climate has plans to invest and diversify to strengthen its expansion objectives.

A WORLD CLASS BUSINESS

AVTS is the only group of test stations in the country, where its Head Office as well as each branch became ISO 9000:2008 certified. This means that, according to the International Standards Organisation, AVTS meets international standards, making it truly world-class.

Over the years, AVTS has received numerous accolades in its quest for safety, quality and service. Earlier this year, AVTS achieved serving its one millionth customer. This was a major milestone for the company and testament to the fact that a growing number of customers believe in the brand and support their vision of ensuring that safe vehicles save lives. AVTS is a Level One Value Added Company in terms of BBBEE.

Oaten says, “Our service goes far beyond vehicle testing to make an impact on road safety. We operate in a highly regulated environment, and have to comply with TÜV SÜD requirements, SABS Standards as well as the Road Traffic Act. The market is saturated with an oversupply of test stations in a sector which has not shown substantial growth in the last few years. In this environment, AVTS will continue to find innovative ways to sustain the business while not compromising on roadworthiness or our integrity.”

This stance has ensured the stable growth of the company for 20 years as AVTS would not continue to operate if integrity was lacking. “AVTS has never had a branch closed for non-compliance. This is an achievement in an industry where corruption can compromise road safety and cost lives. This requires constant vigilance and non-negotiable safety standards”.

AVTS has grown from strength to strength over 20 years which has been further supported through the partnership with an international group such as TÜV SÜD.

According to Ferose Oaten, the success of AVTS can be attributed to a very strong and committed management team, together with dedicated, enthusiastic and loyal staff members. Other factors include:

  • Phenomenal support from customers
  • Being consistent in getting the basics right and measuring key performance indicators
  • Living the values of integrity, respect and superior customer service, among others
  • Not compromising on quality or roadworthiness
  • Proper research and feasibility and being realistic with projections
  • Learning from other business leaders
  • Creating an environment where each staff member feels ownership and loyalty to AVTS
  • And over the years, the support and backing of financial institutions such as Nedbank and Business Partners

AVTS Roadworthy Stations is one of the founder members of the National Vehicle Testing Association, affiliated to the RMI. Ferose says that the RMI gives members of the public an excellent recourse should they be unhappy with any aspect of the testing process.

For the future, AVTS is set to grow and will expand its product and service line. AVTS Examiners have recently been trained in Frankfurt by TÜV SÜD Auto Services and will specialize in additional services to the motor industry.

PERIODIC TESTING TO BOOST ROAD SAFETY

The National Department of Transport’s quest for periodic vehicle testing, where vehicles will not only be tested on change of ownership, but will have to pass a roadworthiness test on a regular basis will have a positive impact on road safety and show South Africa’s commitment to the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety, says Ferose. 14500 lives are lost on South African roads annually, and according to the RTMC Crash Report (2009), vehicle factors are responsible for at least 9.3% as a direct factor and up to 13% as a contributory factor. Within these vehicle factors, in fatal crashes, 36% were caused by tyre bursts due to damaged or smooth tyres, 25% due to faulty brakes and 24% due to unsafe and faulty steering – which could all have been detected had the vehicle been for a roadworthy test.

FREE SAFETY CAMPAIGN

AVTS invites you for a FREE 10-point Safety Critical test until 15th December 2012 in preparation for a safe festive season.
In the absence of Periodic Testing, the Free Safety Campaign at all RMI and Municipal stations becomes as essential part of saving lives. In past campaigns, failure rates recorded were between 89% and 92%. This is a factor that demonstrates that a regular regime of testing is essential for ensuring safer roads.

CELEBRATION OF 2 DECADES

Customers are also invited to an open day to celebrate the 20th birthday on Wednesday 12th December 2012 from 12 noon – 2.30pm at all branches. In addition, the WP Blood Transfusion unit will be at the Airport branch, and invite you to do something remarkable, and donate much needed blood before the festive season. For further enquiries, please contact Lee-anne at 021-9344900 or Nazli at 082 451 2513.

For more information about AVTS and its services, visit AVTS Roadworthy Stations.