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Winter Resilience, Mid-Year Momentum
As we cross the halfway mark of 2025, the chill of South Africa’s winter mornings lingers a little longer, the daytime sun offers fleeting reprieve, and the nights arrive with a bitter bite. But just as the season tests our resolve, so too has the first half of the year tested the tenacity of our industry – and once again, South Africa’s franchised motor dealers have shown their mettle.
Despite political wobbles, a volatile rand, and ongoing global disruptions, our dealer network has not only held the line – it has surged ahead. According to naamsa’s June 2025 sales data, new vehicle sales rose an impressive 18.7% year-on-year, reaching 47,294 units – a clear signal that consumer confidence and dealer performance remain strong, even in a layered and complex operating environment. Passenger car sales led the charge, buoyed by robust demand in the sub-R400,000 segment, improved rental uptake, and continued model refreshes that have captured consumer interest.
Equally encouraging is the 13.6% year-to-date growth, underscoring the momentum we’ve carried through the first half of the year. This is not simply a recovery from a low base – it’s a powerful indication that South African consumers continue to believe in the value, service, and reliability offered by franchised dealers.
The road ahead won’t be without its risks. Political realignments, oil price instability, and trade tariff discussions with key international partners remain watchpoints. On the ground, households continue to feel pressure from rising electricity tariffs and inflation-related erosion of real income. Yet, in spite of this, signs of optimism are clear. We’re seeing stronger used car volumes, healthier approval rates, and improved affordability ratios – all suggesting an uptick in consumer sentiment.
In parallel, NADA is proud to be driving forward with strategic initiatives that aim to uplift and future-proof the retail motor sector. Most notably, the recently signed Collaboration Agreement between NADA and Absa marks a significant step in aligning our long-standing relationship around shared goals: professional development, transformation, and operational excellence. With initiatives like a joint F&I Awards programme, CPD platforms, and a sharpened focus on inclusion and fraud prevention, this partnership demonstrates what’s possible when two industry pillars work hand-in-hand to build a better future.
As we look ahead to the second half of the year, the approaching tourism peak and seasonal rental uptick – from August’s northern hemisphere holidays through to our traditional December rush – promise added uplift. Combined with strategic partnerships and strong fundamentals, there’s every reason to believe that 2025 could become a landmark year for our sector.
A special thank you to the dealers who have taken the time to contribute stories, insights, and ideas to this newsletter. Your input helps us tell a completer and more inspiring story of the South African motor industry. We encourage others across the country to follow your lead. We encourage you to share your successes, challenges, and innovations with us. This platform belongs to all of you, and we are stronger when we share our journey together.
Stay warm, stay focused, and thank you for continuing to represent the very best of South African retail automotive excellence.
Warm regards,
Brandon Cohen
Chairperson
NADA AND ABSA FORMALISE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
NADA and Absa have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to strengthen the automotive dealership ecosystem, focusing on professional development, transformation, and operational excellence. This marks a new chapter in their long-standing relationship to deliver even greater value to dealers and customers.
ORBIT CAPE TOWN’S TRIPLE WIN, COMMUNITY SPIRIT, AND AWARD HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS SUPERGROUP
Staff investment and laser-sharp customer focus have earned Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town its third Daimler Truck Dealer of the Year award in four years. Across the Supergroup network, Jetour and JLR teams scooped top national accolades, while dealerships like Suzuki Boksburg, Basil Green Ford, and Toyota Rand Stadium showcased the group’s heart with powerful community-driven initiatives. A celebration of excellence, resilience, and compassion across the board.
YOUNG DRIVERS, SMART SHIFTS & RISING STARS
Lightstone explores the trends shaping South Africa’s automotive landscape from brand preferences to hybrids gaining traction in the used vehicle market. Volkswagen continues to be the top choice among drivers under 35, with the number of young women opting to finance vehicle purchases rising from 35% in 2015 to 40% in 2025. Indian-made cars now lead local import sales, while Engen tops the list as ‘the go-to’ station for fuel, food and essentials. EchoMBR is celebrating 20 years of innovation and Repair History marks a milestone first year, with over 19 000 verified records delivered.
FROM DEALERSHIP TO DESTINATION: EAGLE MOTOR CITY REDEFINES THE ROAD AHEAD
For many South Africans, buying a car has long been a transactional affair: choose a model, sign the papers and hope the service experience down the line lives up to the sales pitch. But Eagle Ford, a name synonymous with trust in the automotive industry for decades, is breaking the mould. With its rebrand and transition to Eagle Motor City, the group is introducing a new, more integrated model: a 360-degree automotive hub built for the modern motorist.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AT KEY MOTOR GROUP
At Key Motor Group, we take pride in our ongoing pursuit to be one of South Africa’s leading automotive groups. It’s a pleasure to share some of the standout individual achievements within our team—testament to the talent, dedication, and passion that drive our success across the industry.
UD TRUCKS ANNUAL DEALER AWARDS: A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH AND CELEBRATION
The UD Trucks Annual Dealer Awards is a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of UD Trucks dealers across South Africa. This year, the event was held at the luxurious Zimbali Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, a venue known for its stunning decor, fabulous food, and live entertainment.
LIGHTSTONE STAR REACHER
F&I AWARDS 2024/2025
South Africa’s top-performing F&I professionals in the automotive retail sector were celebrated at the prestigious 2025 Lightstone
Auto Star Reacher F&I Awards held late May 2025. Now in its fourth year, the Awards recognise F&I managers who embody excellence, integrity and
innovation in driving dealership profitability and customer satisfaction.
HUMAN AUTO BLOEMFONTEIN – STEERING CONFIDENTLY INTO THE FUTURE
With a passionate team, decades of experience, and one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry, Human Auto Bloemfontein sets itself apart through its people. Their commitment to customer care, shared responsibility, and continuous growth drives the dealership’s success across Central South Africa.
Human Auto Bloemfontein, a long-standing leader in Central South Africa’s automotive landscape, is not only celebrating its 75th anniversary year, but also steering confidently into the future with bold new expansions and a people-first philosophy that sets it apart in the industry.
Founded on 3 January 1950 by Barnie Human under the original name Human & Kie, the dealership began as a small, community-focused operation. It grew steadily over the decades, becoming Human Motors and eventually Human Auto. The Bloemfontein branch has been operating from its current location since 1969 and remains the flagship dealership within the winder Human Auto Group.
