Sud Motors: The voices of those who make its history

For 25 years, Sud Motors has been passionately supporting Guyanese customers in their automotive projects with dedication and commitment. To celebrate this anniversary, we have given the floor to those who make this journey exceptional every day: our employees. Through their testimonies, discover the key moments, the values that drive Sud Motors, and the vision of those who write its history every day.

Cédric Monin, Technician

“When you feel good somewhere, there’s no reason to leave!”

I’ve been here since 2003. Back then, we were working with Volkswagen Eurauto Enterprise. The company was acquired just as I finished my apprenticeship, and I was hired as a mechanic.

The dealership has changed a lot, it’s no longer the same as before. It has been renovated, modernized, and is now much more attractive to customers. Over the years, our brands have also evolved: we stopped working with BMW and Land Rover and started with Audi. Internal structures have shifted depending on the different workshop managers we’ve had. The dealership has grown significantly and in the right direction. We are now better equipped in the workshop and have more training opportunities for those who need them.

One memorable moment was during the dealership’s renovation. We had major relocations, and naturally, a lot of sorting was needed. With management’s approval, everyone could take what was being discarded. It was a remarkable experience, those two or three days were really enjoyable.

I love working on Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. Over the years, there have been ups and downs, but Sud Motors has always been a company that values its employees. Personally, I feel at home here, it’s like a second family. And when you feel good somewhere, there’s no reason to leave.

 

Johanna Fournier, Sales Manager for Volkswagen – Seat – Cupra – Suzuki

“No matter how much we’ve grown, we’ve kept the same heart.”

I’ve been working at Sud Motors in Cayenne for 12 years now. Today, I am the Sales Manager for Volkswagen, Seat, Cupra, and Suzuki. I started in December 2012 as a secretary.

Since joining the group 12 years ago, I’ve witnessed many changes, some positive, some challenging, but we’ve always come out stronger. When I first joined The Citadelle Group, we had fewer than 200 employees. Today, we are over 800, yet we still uphold the same values, and that’s what I love about this company. No matter how much we’ve grown or evolved, we’ve kept the same heart.

Every day here is memorable. There are so many good moments that I struggle to pick just one. What I love most is the people I work with and the connections we build daily.

 

Georges Tel, Hyundai Sales Manager

“What makes me proud to work at Sud Motors is its involvement in the local community.”

I am the Hyundai Sales Manager and the longest-serving employee at Sud Motors. I joined in 1996, before the company was acquired by The Citadelle Group in 1999. I saw the group and Cyril Comte arrive with big ambitions, which have come to life over time. The dealership was struggling at first, but it has transformed into something remarkable.

I started as a sales advisor when we had five brands: Daewoo, Suzuki, BMW, Rover, and Land Rover. When Daewoo went bankrupt in 2001, we seized the opportunity to bring Hyundai on board.

I have seen many directors come and go, but the biggest transformation happened with François Dufour’s arrival. He took the company to another level—restructuring it, building the right teams, and fostering growth. We grew with him, and now that he has moved on, we realize the impact he had.

As a cycling enthusiast, one of my proudest moments was our partnership with the Guyana Cycling Committee, which started in 1998 with just one vehicle. By 2024, we had 40. That’s the strength of Sud Motors, we are deeply involved in the local community. We support all cultural and sporting events, whether it’s the Tour of Guyana, the Carnival, or other initiatives. Working here makes me proud because of our strong connection to the Guyanese people.

 

Marie-Nadège Aurélien, Collections Manager

“I thrive at this company, coming to work always brings me joy.”

I currently work as a Collections Manager, but I first joined Sud Motors in May 2017 for an eight-month contract as a cashier. In January 2018, I moved to the commercial department as a sales secretary for two years before transitioning to the accounting department in June 2020.

Since I arrived, Sud Motors has grown significantly in terms of investment, organization, and size. Though we sometimes experience high turnover, I’ve learned so much and had the opportunity to work in different departments.

One of my happiest memories was my job interview. I thought I wouldn’t be selected, but the next day, management called to say I was hired, I was overjoyed!

What makes me proud to work here is the supportive leadership and the great work environment. My colleagues and I get along well, and coming to work every day fills me with happiness.

 

Junior Serraglini, Audi Sales Manager

“With the arrival of our previous director, François Dufour, we reached a new level.”

I joined Sud Motors on May 2, 2007, as a sales advisor for Volkswagen and Audi. Today, I am the Audi Sales Manager.

The most memorable moment for me was seven years ago when we moved into the new dealership. With François Dufour’s arrival, everything changed, we expanded, sold more, and acquired new brands. That was always part of Sud Motors’ vision: to grow.

What I love most about working here is the trust placed in us. When our efforts are recognized, we stay motivated and committed, and it works!

 

Caroline Bonnevie, Administrative Assistant

“Sud Motors has truly changed my life.”

I am an administrative assistant, reporting to management and department heads. I joined Sud Motors in 2011 when SEAT was acquired.

Sud Motors has truly changed my life, first because I met an extraordinary director, someone deeply human, and we were all very saddened when he left at the end of 2024. With his arrival, we saw a major transformation in the workplace, particularly in terms of human relations. People don’t always realize how crucial humanity is at work. An employee can change, evolve, and thrive just by being in a supportive environment.

In 2022, I became disabled, and Sud Motors has played a significant role in my therapy, in my psychological well-being, and in helping me live with this new reality. When I’m here, I feel great, I love interacting with the public, even though my mobility is limited. If I didn’t have my job, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I realize that many people with illnesses don’t go to work, but for me, it’s the opposite, my job helps me.

In fact, I feel like I see things more clearly now, like I have a new perspective on life. My work has allowed me to transform myself. When you love what you do, it’s amazing.

Sud Motors is my family. It’s an incredible place where I forget about my illness. The atmosphere is great, and coming to work brings me happiness, fulfillment, and even therapy. Honestly, my ability to walk wouldn’t have improved as much if I hadn’t been coming to work every day. Right now, I can barely walk and rely on two crutches, but even if I had to use a wheelchair, I would still come. I find so much fulfillment in my work.

 

Charles Convalot, Spare Parts Store Manager

“Working with the brands we distribute and their technical aspects has always been my passion.”

I have been working at Sud Motors for 12 years and currently hold the position of Spare Parts Store Manager. When I first arrived, I worked as a cashier while waiting for a position that suited me better. Eventually, I took over managing the store.

The dealership has changed a lot, especially in terms of organization. Professionally, we have also evolved, even if we have to work with the resources available in Guyana. Of course, things have improved, but we need to continue in this direction, despite the challenges of working in this region, especially when it comes to staffing.

I originally came to Sud Motors because I knew people who worked here from my previous experience in the automotive industry, and they recommended the company to me. I am proud to work here because Sud Motors is a mid-sized structure that has a bright future ahead. It will continue to grow and evolve. We distribute excellent products, and working with these brands and their technical complexity has always been my passion. But moving forward and making progress requires technical training so that we can be true professionals for our customers. It’s a big challenge, but despite the difficulties, we’re getting there. What makes me happy is being part of a group with a strong philosophy, one that values people. This is a company that shares my values.

I have worked in several other dealerships before coming here, and one thing that always stands out to me is the workplace mentality. When you arrive somewhere new, people already have their own ways of doing things, and sometimes, they resist change even if improvements are needed. When I first started, I didn’t understand the way the parts storage system was organized, so I suggested some changes. At first, people were skeptical. But we tested my system in one section, and after a month or two, I asked my colleagues what they thought. Everyone said it was great and that it worked much better. Eventually, we applied the new system to the entire store. It’s important to help people understand that they shouldn’t just stick to what they already know, they should be open to change and improvements in their work methods. The goal is for everyone to be on the same page while still respecting each person’s role.

For me, working here is an exciting challenge. I enjoy coming to work every morning because no two days are the same. Every day brings new technical challenges with our vehicles, and that keeps me engaged. I love learning, adapting to different manufacturers, and finding solutions to complex problems. It pushes me to grow and think creatively. Beyond the paycheck, I am truly happy with what I do. I love my job, and I appreciate the people I work with. When I wake up in the morning, I don’t dread coming to work, I come with motivation and enthusiasm.