Dear Members

In this edition of our newsletter, we commend the remarkable resilience and performance of South Africa’s franchised motor dealers amid challenging market conditions and applaud our members for achieving good new vehicle sales figures in March notwithstanding economic headwinds, underscoring the strength of our businesses and the dedication of our workforce.

Despite disruptions from public holidays and fiscal year-end considerations, retail dealers demonstrated exceptional performance, accounting for 88.2% of total sales volume. While challenges persist, there are encouraging signs such as increased sales in the Heavy Commercial Vehicles and Buses segment, as well as positive developments like the holding of interest rates and the cessation of e-Tolls along with inflation beginning to tick down and the longest stretch of suspended loadshedding since 2022.

Additionally, we reflect on the recent MSXi | NADA Dealership of the Year Awards, where we celebrated excellence and innovation within our industry. This event, held as part of the culminating #NADA Dealer Connect 2024, highlighted the outstanding achievements of NADA members across the country and served as a testament to the dedication and innovation within our dealer network.

We also recap the insightful discussions and presentations from the 8th annual #NADA Connect 2024 conference, where industry leaders shared valuable insights into navigating the automotive landscape amidst uncertainty. From discussions on new-energy vehicles to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, the conference epitomised excellence in automotive discourse, reaffirming NADA’s commitment to driving progress and innovation within our sector.

As we move forward, trust remains paramount in an automotive landscape filled with choices. NADA continues to advocate for consumer rights and adherence to industry standards, ensuring transparency and integrity in every transaction.

We celebrate the legacies of industry icons, the late Trevor Gordon and Brand Pretorius, recipients of the 2024 NADA Lifetime Achievement Awards. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence and dedication.

We have created a new section in the newsletter where we share highlights of NADA in the news. It is encouraging to see how agenda-setting media are engaging on a regular basis with the NADA team to gather insights and pertinent information on the retail motor industry to share with their audience.

We have distributed numerous important information to members via NADA Newsflashes. We hope that you take note of the information and that this adds value to your business.

Please don’t forget to visit our newly refreshed website! As valued members of the NADA community, we invite you to explore the revamped platform where you can access the latest news, updates, and important information tailored specifically for NADA members. Whether you’re seeking industry insights, upcoming events or resources, visit the website and discover what’s new at NADA. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to NADA. Together, we will navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive growth within the retail automotive sector.

Warm regards,
Brandon Cohen
National Chairperson
NADA