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The recent national budget announcement and the welcome decision by the Reserve Bank to lower interest rates have brought a glimmer of relief to both consumers and the automotive sector. Coupled with a strong showing in passenger vehicle sales during the first four months of the year, there are some early signs that confidence may slowly be returning to the market.
While we are encouraged by these developments, it’s important to keep perspective. South Africa continues to face stubbornly high unemployment, and household financial pressure remains elevated despite the easing of lending conditions. For many consumers, a car remains one of the most significant purchases they’ll make, and affordability is still a major concern.
For dealers, this is a moment to balance opportunity with prudence. The uptick in vehicle sales suggests there is demand waiting to be unlocked — particularly if financing becomes more accessible — but success will rely heavily on how well we understand and support the needs of today’s buyer. Transparent pricing, value-added services, and personalised customer engagement remain as crucial as ever.
At NADA, we remain committed to supporting our members through these shifting conditions — advocating for an enabling environment, facilitating access to insight, and standing shoulder to shoulder with franchised dealers across the country.
How are these economic changes being felt on your showroom floors and workshop floors? Your stories help shape our voice – and ensure we’re representing your reality at every level. We would love to hear from you! Please send your stories to Louse Prinsloo for collation.
Warm regards,
Brandon Cohen
Chairperson
YOUNG DRIVERS FAVOUR VW FOR NEW AND USED VEHICLES – MORE WOMEN OPT TO FINANCE PURCHAS
Volkswagen remains the top brand of choice for South Africans under 35 financing new and used vehicles – a position it’s held for a decade. Lightstone’s latest data reveals that more women in this age group are entering the finance market with their share of financed purchases rising from 35% in 2015 to 40% in 2025. Read more about the evolving preferences shaping the next generation of auto buyers.
MAKING THE PLANET GREEN By Steve Young, ICDP
Issues like tariffs and the march of the Chinese have been grabbing the headlines recently, but arguably the dominant issue that we should be most focused on is how the car and road transport in general should contribute to the greening of the planet. The debate around electrification and regulations that force the pace of the transition away from combustion engines to battery electric power gets headlines, but in focusing on that topic alone, I suggest we’re falling into the same trap as the regulators who focused on a single solution rather than the desired outcome.
TURN SKILL INTO CERTIFICATION
Looking for a way to officially recognise the experienced hands in your workshop? The RMI has shared an exciting update on the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme — a valuable opportunity to help skilled employees become certified artisans. With funding available and several trades already open for application, this initiative is a game-changer for workforce development. Plus, work is underway to include even more trades.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
The NADA AGMs are coming up across the regions.
These important meetings are your chance to have a say in who represents you at local and national levels. They’re a cornerstone of NADA’s democratic process and a valuable opportunity to help shape the future of our industry.
Please diarise the dates. Your voice matters – be part of the conversation!
AN INSPIRING JOURNEY: THEMBINKOSI PANTSI’S STORY
Amanda Masondo’s Makala Podcast, YouTube
We highly recommend tuning into the recent interview with Thembinkosi Pantsi and Amanda Masondo on It’s a heartwarming and insightful watch that takes you through his early life, education, professional journey, and his current leadership role in the automotive industry.
Thembinkosi is the dynamic CEO and Co-founder of Avari Cars, a 100% black-owned premium pre-owned vehicle dealership based in Sandton. Now proudly serving as the National Vice Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), Thembinkosi brings a wealth of experience, passion, and fresh perspective to the role – and his story is a testament to perseverance, vision, and leadership in South Africa’s automotive sector.
Do take a moment to watch the full interview – it’s well worth your time!
