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We are almost eight weeks into 2025, and the year has been anything but quiet for the automotive industry. After a challenging few years, the signs are clear – this year will bring a mix of headwinds and opportunities for motor vehicle dealers, OEMs and the broader automotive industry alike.
On the sales front, while there are glimmers of optimism, interest rates, inflationary pressures and regulatory changes continue to weigh heavily on consumer confidence. Despite these hurdles, innovation and strategic partnerships remain key levers for driving growth in an evolving market landscape. As always, NADA remains committed to supporting members by providing insights and facilitating platforms to share best practices for navigating these turbulent times.
One such platform is the upcoming #NADAConnect 2025 Conference, which promises to be an invaluable event for our members. Taking place on 13 March at the Focus Rooms, Sandton, this year’s theme, Seizing New Opportunities: The Power of OEM and Dealer Partnerships, sets the tone for a future-focused conversation.
We are privileged to welcome Martina Biene, CEO and Chairperson of Volkswagen Group Africa, as our keynote speaker. Martina will deliver a bold and thought-provoking address on strengthening OEM-dealer partnerships amid uncertainty. With over 20 years of global and local automotive expertise, her insights are sure to be both compelling and transformative.
The event will also feature an impressive lineup of expert speakers, including: Dawie Roodt, Leading Economic Advisor, Author and Academic. His presentation is titled, 2025 – The Shifting Economic World Order and its Impact on South Africa; Ghana Msibi, CEO WesBank will speak about Getting People into Cars – 2025 Economic and Industry Forecast and Dr Jay van Zyl, CEO ecosystem.Ai, California will address the topic that is high on a lot of agendas – The New World with Artificial Intelligence.
Registration is already gaining huge momentum. Don’t miss out! This is your opportunity to connect, learn and gain valuable insights that will equip you for the months ahead.
Thank you for your continued support of NADA. I look forward to seeing you at #NADA Connect 2025 and working alongside you as we tackle 2025 with renewed energy and focus.
Warm regards,
GK McCraw
National Director
PROMISING START FOR VEHICLE SALES IN SOUTH AFRICA AMID ECONOMIC REFORMS
Vehicle sales in South Africa kicked off 2025 with a promising 10.4% growth compared to last year, driven by robust passenger car sales and a surge in exports. However, challenges persist, including rising living costs, fuel price hikes, and economic uncertainty. Industry experts remain cautiously optimistic, hoping for supportive policy developments and further interest rate relief to sustain the momentum. Read more for insights from NADA Chairperson Brandon Cohen on the year ahead.
UNLOCK SKILLS FUNDING – APPLY FOR MERSETA GRANTS TODAY – MANDATORY GRANT NOTICE
The merSETA Mandatory Grant application window is now open from 1 February to 30 April 2025, offering levy-paying entities the opportunity to access funding by submitting a Workplace Skills Plan and an Annual Training Report. Companies with a labour recognition agreement require approval from a Labour SDF, while those with 50 or more employees must have an Employee SDF sign off in the absence of such an agreement. Applications must be submitted via NSDMS within the specified timeframe, and members are encouraged to review the Grant Policy and Criteria on the merSETA website for further details. This initiative reflects RMI’s ongoing commitment to supporting members and enhancing engagement.
SOUTH AFRICA – AUTOMOTIVE RETAIL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE TRENDS – JANUARY 2023 – DECEMBER 2024
It would be fair to say that the global village is more pronounced today, which in turn implies that any economic actions taken by the world’s principal economic participants will impact the smaller economies of the world. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas conflict continue to polarize the world and will, in all likelihood, be resolved in 2025. Recent elections in countries around the world have ushered in an era in which a nation’s economic well-being is the new strategic imperative. Smaller diversified economies, such as South Africa, which have a portfolio of exportable goods and services, will need to adapt to these new imperatives.
STRATEGY VS TACTICS – WHAT’S RIGHT FOR 2025?
As we dive into 2025, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the way we approach the year ahead. This insightful blog comes from Steve Young, the founder of ICDP, a leading consultancy focused on the automotive retail sector. In this post, Steve delves into the balance between strategy and tactics—offering a thought-provoking perspective that will help shape your mindset for the year ahead.
Rather than getting lost in the typical forecasts and predictions, Steve encourages us to consider how we approach our business strategies in this time of uncertainty. His perspective is one that NADA members in South Africa can certainly benefit from, as it’s about focusing on the right mindset and setting priorities for both the long-term and short-term.
NADA IN THE NEWS
Car Magazine:
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/top-5-best-selling-bakkies-in-sa-january-2025/
Dealerfloor:
https://dealerfloor.co.za/industry-news/positive-reaction-to-president-ramaphosas-sona-but
Engineering News:
