First Battery has announced the appointment of Shane Petersen as the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing. With an illustrious 93-year history deeply rooted in automotive batteries, First Battery has been a trusted provider of powering vehicles across South Africa’s varied terrain.

First Battery

Petersen brings to First Battery a wealth of experience from an extensive career spanning mobility, energy, and multinational enterprises.

According to First Battery, his appointment marks a key milestone in the company’s evolution. It signals a strategic move towards sustainable mobility and industrial solutions, positioning the company to become South Africa’s premier energy storage provider.

“As we transition towards a future defined by sustainability and innovation, Shane’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to driving positive change in the energy sector,” said Russel Bezuidenhout, CEO of First Battery. His extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in advancing our mission of empowering industries and consumers with sustainable energy solutions.”

With the automotive industry undergoing a rapid transformation towards new energy vehicles (NEVs) and sustainable transportation, First Battery wants to leverage its reputation as a trusted provider of automotive batteries. It hopes to do this by partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in SA.

The company says: “Economies are transitioning from lead-acid to advanced lithium-ion batteries, signifying a fundamental evolution in energy storage technology. First Battery deeply understands the role of lithium-ion batteries in facilitating the shift to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.”

“Lithium-ion presents a monumental leap in energy storage technology,” said Petersen, “offering unparalleled capacity, and reliability. We are championing the adoption of lithium-ion batteries to pave the way for a future where new energy vehicles are not just a possibility but a practical reality for South Africa.”

In addition to its longstanding presence in the automotive sector, First Battery is an established as a sustainable partner of choice for multiple industrial applications. It provides energy and battery solutions for surface motive power requirements such as forklifts and supports sustainability in critical sectors to our economy such as mining and standby/solar. Leveraging its expertise in providing reliable energy solutions, First Battery continues to enable industries to flourish while mitigating their environmental footprint.

“Petersen’s appointment as our new Director of Sales and Marketing signifies our commitment to driving growth across all customer lines. With his expertise, we are positioned to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the market,” said Bezuidenhout.

Petersen highlighted First Battery’s position to capitalise on the rapidly growing opportunities in the automotive and industrial sectors, emphasising the company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and providing customer-centric solutions.

“As we look ahead, First Battery remains steadfast in our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering customer-centric solutions. The timing could not be more opportune, with exciting prospects in both the automotive and industrial sectors,” Petersen remarked.

He also expressed optimism about the future, citing the company’s readiness to venture into new markets while drawing on its extensive expertise and longstanding reputation for excellence. “With a relentless focus on driving positive change and meeting the evolving needs of our customers, First Battery is poised to lead the charge towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all – powering your world,” he concluded.