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As we embark on the journey that is 2024, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our esteemed industry. Reflecting on the transformative year that was 2023, it becomes apparent that the automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, demanding our collective attention and strategic adaptation.
The year gone by was a transition period, taking us from the pandemic era into what we now define as the new normal. In 2024, we must assess whether the challenges we face are familiar or if we are entering a new phase of dynamics that require our unwavering commitment to adaptability.
External factors such as economic challenges, geopolitical conflicts, and extreme weather events continue to shape our industry’s growth and development. It is imperative that, as an industry, we not only meet operational targets but also strategically navigate changes in consumer behaviour, product technology, and emerging markets throughout the year.
The government’s stance on incentives for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) poses a unique challenge that requires our collective ingenuity. As an industry we need to be exploring innovative marketing and technological solutions to enhance the acceptance of BEVs, even in the absence of government incentives. We also need a clear roadmap to a workable charging infrastructure plan and universal payment process for using charging stations.
Skills shortages remain a hurdle, constraining many from fully capitalising on the opportunities before us. Our commitment to investing in training programmes and collaborating with educational institutions is unwavering. Fostering a skilled workforce is crucial to unlocking the full potential of available opportunities.
The growth of Chinese brands in our market demands adaptability and strategic positioning from established manufacturers and dealers alike. Our industry must remain agile, innovative, and strategically placed to thrive amidst this changing competitive landscape.
Anticipating a year of regulatory action, I encourage each of you to stay informed and actively participate in discussions to influence favourable outcomes. Proactive engagement with regulatory bodies is not only beneficial but necessary for navigating the evolving regulatory scenarios.
As we face this new year NADA remains dedicated to supporting each of you and will continue to contribute to advancing the interests of the retail automotive sector. Your resilience and dedication are the driving force behind our industry, and I am confident that together, we will navigate the complexities of 2024 and emerge stronger than ever.
Please be on the lookout for two very important NADA Newsflashes about AARTO and EE Sector Targets.
We are looking forward to seeing you at our annual conference #NADA2024Connect on 14 March. For those of you who haven’t registered to attend as yet, please do so. It is going to be a knockout event not to be missed.
Wishing you a year of innovation, collaboration, and unparalleled success.
Sincerely
Brandon Cohen
National Chairperson
NADA
Clients are our heartbeat
Service within the Auto industry is paramount for maintaining high industry standards and it’s no different at Lightstone who recently conducted their bi annual client satisfaction survey. The aim of Lightstone’s regular surveys is to ensure that their solutions and processes meet the industry’s requirements.
To find out what the over 8 000 participants had to say click on Read More
A Long and Very Varied Link with Ford
By Roger Houghton
My touch points with the Ford brand, its products, and the company itself have been many and varied over a period of many decades.
It all began in my early years, in the 1950s and ‘60s, due to my interest in cars in general and motorsport in particular. I vividly remember going to Steyns Garage in Pretoria one Saturday morning in 1960 to go for a test drive in the new Anglia with the 997cc overhead valve 105E engine which replaced the ageing Anglia and Prefect sedans with their stodgy 1 272 cc side valve power units.
Automotive Retail Financial Performance Trends – December 2022 to November 2023
Geopolitical risk is having a negative impact on growth within the global economy. The impact of climate change on some economies is becoming more evident. Constraints on free trade within the Middle East Region and the Red Sea crises including risk mitigation by shipping carriers will have an inflationary impact.
In the South African context the ongoing impact of load shedding and weak export demand continues to dampen consumer confidence and general local economic activity.
