A 20-year anniversary is a milestone to be saluted – which is why we wish Chris Naicker, owner of CSC Motors – Bosch Car Service, a hearty congratulations on this landmark anniversary.
CSC Motors is, in fact, one of two workshops owned by Chris. He also owns Zululand Diesel and Auto, which specialises in rail and mechanical pump and injectors (and which celebrates its ninth anniversary this year). Both workshops are based in Empangeni, and provide employment for 22 people, with five staff members based at ZDAS and the remainder at CSC Motors.
Chris explains that CSC Motors caters for both the corporate and private sectors, specialising in the maintenance and service of all commercial trucks and passenger vehicles as well as repairs for clutches, propshafts, diagnostics, brakes, and air conditioning regas. The workshop works with all insurance companies.
Its longevity and success can be attributed to Chris’s many years of experience. He started his career in the motor industry at an Empangeni-based Nissan dealership where he worked for 21 years; first in the reception before working his way up to a position in warranty claims, then workshop controller, service advisor and service manager.
Having built a loyal following during this time, it wasn’t surprising that a number of clients decided to support him when he left the dealership to open his first workshop, simply called Chris’s Workshop. Chris maintains that it was his work ethic that set the workshop apart – and continues to do so. He is entirely focused on his staff and customers alike, and respect is part of the workshop’s DNA. That’s because he believes that diligence and hard work have their own rewards.
His workshops are also distinguished by their specific focus. Chris says that honing in on a specialist niche enables you to build skills and services that benefit your customers, and help you on your way to becoming the best in the business – building strong customer relationships along the way. It further helps to have the backing of leading brands like Bosch Car Service and RMI.
Chris has experienced many proud moments during his time in the industry, but his greatest achievement, he says, is training his staff – taking them from a position where they know very little about cars to a point where they are expert technicians. He gives the example of Thokozani Mthembu, a staff member who joined his team as a gearlock and radio fitter and, after 19 years, is now a qualified RSA whose skill rivals any qualified technician. Chris is also proud of the fact that the workshop’s CSI rating currently stands at more than 94%, and that it is the only BCS in the Zululand area.