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Turning Insights into Action
Since joining NADA in May this year, one of my top priorities has been to spend time listening and learning. Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to meet dealers across the country, engage with OEM partners, and attend AGMs nationally. Those conversations have given me a clear and consistent message: the strength of our industry lies in the commitment and resilience of our dealer network.
What has stood out most to me is the dedication dealers show every single day, not only to running sustainable businesses, but to delivering essential services and keeping customers mobile, informed, and confident in their choices. This commitment does not go unnoticed. Even in a challenging and fast-changing environment, dealers continue to adapt, invest, and lead with professionalism.
Attending AGMs and regional engagements reinforced just how deeply invested dealers are in the future of the industry. The openness with which issues are raised, ideas are shared, and solutions are explored speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit that defines our sector. Engagements with OEMs have further highlighted the importance of strong, constructive relationships that recognise the critical role dealers play on the front line with customers.
I would like to sincerely thank every dealer for your ongoing contribution. Not only to your own businesses, but to the broader automotive ecosystem. The trust customers place in our industry is built in your showrooms, workshops, and service departments, and it is your teams who uphold that trust every day.
Looking ahead, I would also like to highlight #NADAConnect on 12 March 2026, which is shaping up to be a not-to-be-missed event for our dealer community. We are already over the halfway mark in terms of confirmed attendees, and we look forward to receiving further acceptances from members in the coming months. This event has been designed especially with you in mind – our valued dealer partners – providing a platform for meaningful engagement, insight-sharing, and forward-looking discussion focused on the realities and opportunities facing dealerships. Thank you to our sponsors for your generous support: Automate, Cars.co.za, Lightstone, NADA, Tracker, and WesBank.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our National Executive Committee for their ongoing support, and to our Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for their leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of our members. Their collective insight and dedication continue to play a vital role in strengthening NADA and ensuring we remain focused on what matters most to dealers.
This period has reinforced NADA’s responsibility to represent, support and advocate for dealers with clarity and purpose. The insights gained from meeting members face-to-face will continue to inform our work as we navigate regulatory change, market pressures, and future opportunities together.
As we look ahead, I am encouraged by the professionalism, resilience, and innovation I see across the dealer network. NADA remains committed to working alongside you, ensuring your voices are heard and your interests are protected.
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received since joining NADA, and for the vital role you continue to play in keeping South Africa’s motorists moving and customers satisfied.
I wish you, your teams, and your families a peaceful and happy Festive Season, and safe travels to those of you heading off for a well-deserved break.
Ashley Samuel
National Director
NADA
HAS SOUTH AFRICA TURNED A CORNER?
As South Africa navigates a shifting and often unpredictable economic landscape, NADA says there are growing signs of improvement that could support increased confidence across the new-vehicle market – even as several structural challenges remain.
“We’re seeing interest rates beginning to ease, rand volatility settling, and far greater operational stability from Eskom and Transnet,” he said. “Alongside better-than-expected GDP performance, these factors are creating a more supportive environment for both consumers and businesses,” says Brandon Cohen.
ACCELERATING MOMENTUM INTO 2026 FROM PAUL-ROUX DE KOCK, CHIEF ANALYTICS OFFICER, LIGHTSTONE
It is party time! Hyundai Automotive South Africa amplified its 25-year anniversary by hosting Hyundai Fun Fest celebrations, at various Hyundai dealerships across the country.
Guests were treated with music, food stalls, dance as well as cash giveaways to coincide with the 25 years of operating in South Africa.
NEW ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTED
WELCOME TO THE TEAM, NISHEN MOOLOO
We are pleased to welcome Nishen Mooloo, who joined NADA on 1 December, as our new Association Representative. Nishen will focus on maintaining and strengthening relationships with our existing members, onboarding new members, and representing NADA across dealerships nationally. We look forward to introducing him to our members in 2026, with a more in-depth profile in our January/February issue and wish him every success in his new role.
We wish you a restful and joyful festive season and look forward to reconnecting in the new year.
Please note that our offices will close on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026.
