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The first quarter of 2025 saw significant developments in the economic, business and political arenas. From a NADA perspective, the much anticipated #NADAConnect 2025 Conference, which took place on 13 March, was one of the key focal points.
This year’s conference achieved a record attendance of over 300 delegates from across the industry, who benefited from engaging and insightful presentations by our keynote speakers. The success of the event was further validated by a strong satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 in the post-event delegate survey.
While the survey return rate of 22% presents an opportunity for improvement in gathering comprehensive feedback, the input received was valuable. Participants highlighted a desire for shorter speaker presentations, a broader range of topics, and enhanced audience engagement through the available technology. These suggestions will be carefully considered as we plan future events.
We are enthusiastic about building on the success of #NADAConnect 2025 and are committed to delivering an even more impactful experience for all stakeholders at the next conference, further solidifying its position as a premier event in the local automotive industry.
For those interested, keynote presentations from this year’s conference can be accessed here: https://nada.co.za/nada-conference/
Another great milestone was the establishment of a Collaboration Agreement between NADA and ABSA Bank Limited, which formalises the commitment of both organisations to leverage their respective expertise and resources to promote programmes and strategic initiatives that align with their mutual objectives and focus areas. Further details regarding the Collaboration Agreement will be provided in an official statement to be released soon.
To close the quarter off on a very good note, I am happy to report that following an internal and external recruitment process, Mr Ashley Samuel has been appointed by RMI to take over the Director: NADA portfolio with effect from 2 May 2025. In the next newsletter, we’ll provide more details on Samuel’s roles and responsibilities. For now, we wish him a long and successful tenure with NADA.
Until then, happy reading, make the most of every opportunity during April as this is a short trading month due to all the public holidays and finally, please take care and be safe.
Warm regards,
Gary McCraw
National Director
DO HYBRID VEHICLES OFFER CONSUMPTION AND EMISSION BENEFITS?
Hybrid vehicles are gaining traction in South Africa, with models like the Corolla Cross HEV leading the charge.
But how do they truly stack up against petrol and diesel cars in fuel efficiency and emissions?
Read Lightstone’s article to see the numbers behind the shift.
IMPORTANT UPDATE – EMPLOYMENT EQUITY SECTORAL TARGETS
The Department of Employment and Labour requested that employers in the Wholesale and Retail Trade and the Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles Sector met virtually on the 14th of February 2025, to discuss new proposed Employment Equity (EE) sectoral targets.
The Department requested that employers in the Wholesale and Retail Trade and the Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles Sector meet virtually on the 14th of February 2025, to discuss new proposed EE sectoral targets.
WesBank CEO GHANA MSIBI: COLLABORATION KEY TO AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY RECOVERY
Providing his perspective on the local automotive sector, WesBank CEO Ghana Msibi has commended stakeholders across the entire value chain for their collective efforts in driving industry progress. According to Msibi, collaboration has been instrumental in lifting the sector from its recent downturn and will remain essential in overcoming current challenges to return to pre-COVID-19 levels of activity.
Msibi’s optimism is rooted in an economic analysis presented by FNB Senior Economist Thanda Sithole.
VOLKSWAGEN’S CHALLENGE: COMPETING AGAINST IMPORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The local automotive industry has been under pressure for a while now. However, bucking the trend, several new import brands have been able to grow their market share.
Martina Biene, Chair and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, shared valuable insights into the automotive industry from an OEM perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by local manufacturers and the pressing need for solutions that encourage investment rather than protectionism.
STRATEGY VS TACTICS – WHAT’S RIGHT FOR 2025?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widely regarded as a disruptive technology across numerous sectors, with some embracing intelligent computer programmes as useful tools, while in other quarters they are viewed as a threat to traditional ways of working.
An expert in the field of AI, Dr Jay van Zyl, a South African innovator based in Silicon Valley, California offered a compelling vision of how AI is revolutionising dealerships, customer interactions, and business operations.
DRIVING FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN SOUTH AFRICA’S EVOLVING TRANSPORT LANDSCAPE
By Marcia Mayaba Sales Vice President, Auto Information Services at TransUnion South Africa
Since the middle of March 2020, when the country and the entire economy was negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions enforced during the nationwide lockdown, dealerships and in particular their technicians were keeping the country’s key services moving.
By mid-May, dealerships were able to open their showroom floors and operate, albeit under strict directions, in an effort to get business activity up and running safely for consumers and employees alike.
