Motovac drives growth in automotive industry

Keeping vehicles on the road
My.na Cars presenter Diana Master recently chatted to regional senior sales representative Duncan Gertze about the company’s growth operations and its role in the local motor industry.
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Motovac operates 17 branches across Namibia, including four in Windhoek, supported by a central warehouse in the capital. Regionally, the company has a further 17 branches in Botswana, strengthening its presence in southern Africa.

“We still see room for growth,” said regional senior sales representative Duncan Gertze, adding that the company aims to expand into additional areas while maintaining service standards.

The northern industrial branch, where our interview took place, opened in 2021, reflecting continued expansion within Namibia. Motovac supplies parts for both petrol and diesel vehicles, serving a broad customer base ranging from individual motorists to workshops and resellers.

Explaining the difference between petrol and diesel engines, Gertze said: “One uses compression, and the other uses sparking.”

He noted that diesel engines are more commonly used in heavier-duty applications. “When you’re dealing with diesel, you work more with trucks, pick-ups and larger commercial vehicles, while passenger vehicles are more on the petrol side.”

This range allows the company to service multiple sectors, including commercial transport and private vehicles.


Systems and parts identification

A key part of Motovac’s operations is its parts identification system. “We have a system that groups every part number with a specific vehicle,” Gertze said, explaining that staff can assist customers even without a physical sample.

“We can input the engine number, identify the model and source the required parts accordingly.”

Motovac offers both premium and more affordable components, depending on customer needs and vehicle type.

“If you sacrifice on price, you may end up paying more in the long run,” Gertze said.

He added that higher-end parts are typically designed for durability and performance, while lower-cost options may be suitable for vehicles requiring more frequent maintenance.


Climate and maintenance

Namibia’s climate presents particular challenges for vehicles, especially due to high temperatures. “Our country is not really that cold,” Gertze said, noting that cooling systems are among the most common points of failure. Components such as radiators and water pumps are therefore in high demand, alongside routine service parts and accident-related replacements.

However, he stressed that many mechanical issues are linked to inadequate maintenance rather than environmental conditions alone. “A vehicle that is not serviced regularly develops faults over time.”

To maintain quality, Motovac relies on supplier testing as well as real-world performance. “Most of our suppliers conduct test runs,” Gertze said, adding that some brands test components in high-performance environments, including motorsport.


Advisory role

Beyond supplying parts, the company also advises customers on vehicle care. “I’d say the first step is to maintain your car,” Gertze said, encouraging regular inspections and servicing. “Do your annual service and avoid reaching the point where parts need to be replaced unnecessarily.”

He said preventative maintenance remains the most effective way to reduce long-term costs.

With a growing network and regional footprint, Motovac continues to position itself within Namibia’s automotive sector. As new vehicle technologies enter the market, the company says it is focused on adapting to changing demands while maintaining access to reliable parts and technical support.

“It’s a constantly growing industry,” Gertze said.