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“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston S. Churchill
As this year draws to a close and we look back on a year that turned out to be enormously challenging in many ways, it showed how strong we are – even in the toughest of times.
We know that there will be lots of pressure coming through on several fronts in 2023, but the Association knows from past and sustained experience that South African motor vehicle dealers are resilient and resourceful. There’s no denying it, we have been put to the test at every turn over the past three years. That being said, we are a robust bunch, and have drawn on our reserves many a time in the past. It seems that there is not much that can keep us back.
That being said, 2023 will not be a walk in the park given the ongoing challenges of loadshedding, interest rate hikes, fluctuating exchange rates and fuel prices and the current political uncertainty. I am confident that with clearly defined objectives / goals / targets and well-structured implementation plans, our dealer network will prosper in 2023.
November’s tally of 49 413 units showed an improvement of nearly 3 500 sales from just one month ago, and represented a significant 18.2% increase on the number of units sold in the same month last year. This is most heartening for all sectors of the industry. Almost 40 000 units of total sales moving through dealer retail channel.
We are well positioned for 2023 with several established programmes such as the MSXi / NADA Businessperson of the Year – winner to be announcement in March 2023), the NADA Dealer Satisfaction Index – research will commence on 3 April 2023 and the results released on 6 July 2023, and the Dealer Performance programme, Dealer Conference will take place on 15 or 16 March 2023. There are also regular meetings, webinars and panel discussions that are all helpful in providing guidance to dealers affiliated to the Association.
NADA would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the members of the NADA Executive Committee under the dynamic leadership of Mark Dommisse. To all the other dedicated motor vehicle dealers and executives who give up their valuable time to serve on the NADA structures, your contributions are highly appreciated.
NADA would also like to thank Alexandra Boavida our outgoing National Vice-Chairperson for her infectious energy and value-added contribution to addressing dealer issues. We wish her every success in her new role as Vice- President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes Benz South Africa.
NADA will continue to pursue its vision of contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of the retail motor vehicle dealer businesses.
To our contributors, thank you for the ongoing support which is much appreciated. We look forward to reading your insightful communications in 2023.
As one year draws to a close and another new year beckons, may I wish you happiness, lightness of heart, success and good health. May the New Year be a highly rewarding one for you, your families and dealerships and let’s make 2023 extra special for everyone you care about.
The NADA Team extends its best wishes to all for a joyous and peaceful Festive Season.
Until next year.
God bless and take care.
Gary McCraw
National Director
NADA
SA’s auto industry is in rush hour
In Lightstone’s most recent edition of Auto Insights we reveal that SA’s auto industry is in rush hour! It’s been a busy period with resilient sales, new products and SA Auto Week. Read more about how New Vehicle sales have continued to climb despite local and global headwinds and about the rapid growth of the hybrid and electric vehicle market. But there’s much more!
Automotive Retail Financial Performance Trends: February 2021 to September 2022
According to MSX International SSA recessionary head winds are expected around the globe, which will impact the South African automotive sector from both local demand and exports. Efforts to combat inflation are a global phenomenon and the authorities in South Africa are determined to slow inflation without dramatically affecting economic growth.
The South Africa automotive sector continues to enjoy steady demand from its diverse customer base though the cost of borrowing will negatively impact this demand in the months ahead.
Cars.co.za’s market make-up insights
What does the pre-owned vehicle market look like today, who are the shoppers and how could you better accommodate them?
As one of South Africa’s largest aggregators, Cars.co.za, covers a wide spectrum of consumers. This insightful document provides key insights as to how best you can align your business strategies with the site’s country user base.
Time to Look at New Mobility Models as
Prices See-Saw
So, the long-awaited normalisation of the markets has finally started happening. The numbers tell us used vehicle prices are still rising, but from a pure pricing perspective the market has already normalised, and we’re moving into a new reality where new vehicle prices will come down in real terms as the industry readies itself for a recession.
The RMI will be closing its national and regional offices for its annual shutdown, from the 22nd of December 2022 to the 6th of January 2023 (both dates included).
The RMI appreciates the fact that the retail motor industry is a 24/7 industry and will provide skeleton staff, on standby, in order to provide members with advice and assistance during this period.
