In June’s edition of the Get to Know series, we spotlight Matthew Hayden, Sales Manager at Geely Brisbane City, who has been with Sime Motors for over six years. Let’s hear from Matthew as he shares his journey and experiences with Sime.

Q: Can you walk us through your career journey from BMW to Volvo, and how it evolved into your current managerial role at Geely?

M: I began over 10 years ago as a Service Advisor at Brisbane BMW & MINI Garage, leveraging on my background as a qualified technician and in customer service experience. Within two years, I progressed across Sime Motors brands, including Volvo and Polestar, building expertise in safety, sustainability and people-first leadership.

My leadership was shaped by mentorship and the Sime Emerging Leader Development Program (2025, Deloitte). Now at Geely, I’m focused on advancing my experience in new car sales and strengthening end-to-end dealership operations while maximising KPIs.

Q: What key learnings have you gained from the brands you’ve worked with throughout your career?

M: BMW taught me the importance of integrity, follow-through and building customer trust rooted in strong brand loyalty. Volvo emphasised purposeful innovation, with a focus on safety, quality and a forward-looking mindset.

At Geely, I’ve learned the value of strong partnerships between dealerships, brands and the public, as well as the importance of calculated risk-taking to remain relevant.

Q: What attracted you to join Geely, and how did you adapt when you first came on board?

M: I was drawn to Geely by the opportunity to apply my experience on a larger scale and to be part of a fast-growing, ambitious brand that moves quickly and listens to the market.

When I first joined, my priority was to listen, learn and understand our people, customers and dealer network. From there, I focused on strengthening operational fundamentals, aligning the team around clear goals and building momentum.

Q: How would you describe your leadership approach and how you drive team performance?

M: My leadership style is centred on leading by example. I believe high performance stems from trust, transparency and consistency—when expectations are clearly demonstrated through actions, teams naturally follow.

I prioritise building a strong culture, maintaining clear communication and ensuring consistent execution to drive performance.

Q: What do you think customers in Queensland value most, and how is Geely delivering on that?

M: Queensland buyers are practical and value-conscious, looking for strong long-term ownership rather than just the lowest price. They want assurance around servicing, parts availability, warranty and brand longevity.

At Geely Brisbane City, we deliver on this through factory-backed warranties, trained Geely technicians and a commitment to long-term customer support.

Q: What keeps you inspired in the automotive industry?

M: Reflecting on my 25 years in the automotive industry, I’ve come to appreciate how transformative it is. What motivates me is the challenge of navigating a dynamic market shaped by economic and environmental factors, while ensuring business sustainability, supporting my team and delivering on customer expectations.

Q: Can you share your latest favourite model?

M: It’s the Polestar 5 in Storm Matte. This model reflects the future of the automotive industry—high-performance electric vehicles that drive innovation while delivering a refined and engaging driving experience.

Polestar 5 - Vehicle walkaround video | Polestar Australia

Matthew is your go-to expert for all things Geely, combining deep product knowledge with genuine care to elevate every customer’s experience. Drop by and say hello when you visit Geely Brisbane City.

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