Tebogo Nako

A versatile and strategically minded automotive professional with over 20 years of progressive experience across government sales, corporate fleet management, product analysis, and marketing — built across leading OEM and dealership environments in South Africa. In government sales, I have demonstrated mastery of South Africa's public sector procurement landscape, managing the RT57 National Treasury Transversal Contract for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and engaging at the highest levels with National Treasury, SITA, provincial departments, and SOEs. My approach to government business is strategic and compliance-driven — aligning OEM capability to departmental budget cycles, procurement frameworks, and policy requirements to secure and sustain preferred OEM status.

In corporate fleet sales, I bring a structured, solutions-based approach — developing total cost of ownership (TCO) proposals, managing fleet management company (FMC) relationships, and designing B-BBEE-aligned fleet value propositions that meet the commercial and compliance priorities of private sector clients. My partnerships with institutions such as WesBank, and several fleet management companies, alongside telematics platforms, allow me to offer integrated fleet solutions that go beyond vehicle supply. My foundation in product analysis — developed at Peugeot Motors South Africa — sharpened my ability to interpret market data, conduct competitive studies, and translate insights into actionable sales and pricing strategies.

This analytical grounding informs how I approach both fleet and government markets: with evidence, not assumption. Complementing my sales career is a solid marketing background, gained through roles at Mercedes-Benz South Africa's events and marketing division, McCarthy Call A Car, and Eskom. I understand how brand positioning, product launches, dealer network campaigns, and customer communication strategies work together to drive market share.

Academically, I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM) — a qualification that formalised my commercial thinking and deepened my understanding of strategic marketing principles. I am currently pursuing the commencement of a Master's qualification, reflecting my ongoing commitment to professional development and academic growth alongside my career.

Government & Corporate Fleet Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) (2016-03 – 2025-06)

Held a dual mandate covering both government and corporate fleet sales for Mercedes-Benz South Africa — managing the full spectrum of fleet business from public sector procurement to private sector account management. Applied a consistently strategic approach across both segments: aligning product and supply capability to client procurement cycles, structuring end-to-end solutions, and building the long-term relationships that drive sustained fleet revenue.

• Managed the RT57 National Treasury Transversal Contract — the primary procurement vehicle for government fleet acquisition in South Africa — ensuring full compliance and commercial performance.
• Engaged strategically with National Treasury, SITA, provincial procurement offices, and SOEs to position Mercedes-Benz as the preferred OEM across all spheres of government.
• Conducted structured end-user engagement meetings with government departments to map procurement plans, budget cycles, and vehicle specification requirements for each financial year.
• Ensured full compliance with National Treasury supply chain management regulations across all government transactions.
• Generated annual government sales forecasts and target plans aligned with departmental financial year budgets, nationally and provincially.
• Designed and executed internal workflow systems managing the full order-to-delivery cycle for government clients: quotation → purchase order → conversion → registration → delivery.
• Submitted product and market analysis reports, including competitive landscape assessments, to MBSA head office in Germany.
• Developed and managed corporate fleet sales alongside the government portfolio, building structured proposals covering total cost of ownership (TCO), vehicle lifecycle planning, and fleet financing solutions.
• Built and managed relationships with fleet management companies (FMCs), rental companies, and corporate procurement teams — engaging partners such as WesBank.
• Developed B-BBEE-aligned value propositions for corporate clients, positioning Mercedes-Benz competitively within preferential procurement frameworks.
• Leveraged telematics and fleet technology partnerships to offer integrated fleet management solutions that addressed corporate clients' operational efficiency and cost reduction objectives.
• Designed corporate fleet sales policies, account management frameworks, and pipeline tracking tools to support disciplined business development.
• Managed turnkey fleet solutions for all spheres of government including government agencies, SOEs, and parastatals — nationally and provincially.
• Established and managed MBSA-approved supplier networks for special vehicle conversions, maintaining brand standards and high-end total ownership quality.
• Engaged with industry bodies to maintain MBSA's market presence and policy influence in the fleet sector.
• Identified and executed community investment and sponsorship partnerships with government departments at a national level.
• Developed and executed internal government and fleet sales policies and processes on behalf of MBSA.
• Managed the national dealer network to ensure timeous and efficient vehicle delivery to government and corporate fleet end-users.
• Coordinated vehicle ordering from MBSA Germany head office in line with projected fleet and government sales targets.
• Produced monthly marketing reports identifying tools and campaigns required to support both government and corporate fleet sales generation.

Vehicle Sales Executive at Honda West Rand (2011-03 – 2016-02)

• Managed retail and fleet vehicle sales, consistently achieving monthly targets through proactive new business development.
• Maintained and grew a retail corporate fleet portfolio through structured account management and relationship-driven selling.
• Conducted cold calling campaigns to generate conquest business from competitor customer bases.

Franchise Owner — Krugersdorp/Kagiso at Multiserv Franchise (2008-01 – 2010-12)

• Managed full franchise operations including financial management, staff training, quality control, marketing, and new business development.
• Reported to managing members bi-annually on business performance and growth strategy.

Market & Product Analyst at Peugeot Motors South Africa (2005-02 – 2007-12)

• Developed commercial vehicle product strategy including positioning, pricing, and market differentiation for Peugeot SA.
• Compiled monthly NAAMSA market activity reports and competitor analysis for internal sales strategy development.
• Produced and presented market intelligence reports to the sales team to inform OEM sales planning.

Marketing & Events Assistant at Mercedes-Benz South Africa (2004-01 – 2005-01)

• Coordinated product launch events for passenger and commercial vehicles across the MBSA dealer network.
• Assisted in planning and executing major motor shows nationally, ensuring brand presence and collateral deployment.

Marketing & Customer Care Agent at McCarthy Call A Car (2002 – 2003)

Customer Care Agent at Eskom (2001 – 2001)

Student Finance Clerk at Wits University (2000 – 2000)

Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing – Institute of Marketing Management (IMM)

Marketing Graduate Diploma in Marketing – Institute of Marketing Management (IMM)