Sandton, Johannesburg – 5 September 2025 — South Africa’s automotive retail industry is preparing for a milestone moment with the launch of DealerCon 2025, an industry-defining summit hosted by Cars.co.za in partnership with the National Automobile Dealer’s Association (NADA), TransUnion, and naamsa | The Automotive Business Council. The event will take place on 17 September 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre, bringing together the country’s most influential voices in motoring and retail. Positioned as the premier annual gathering for decision-makers, DealerCon 2025 promises to redefine collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the automotive value chain.
A Strategic Platform for Change
“Cars.co.za has always positioned itself as the dealer partner, and DealerCon is possibly the ultimate expression of that goal,” said Amasi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za. “DealerCon is set to become the premier annual gathering where South Africa’s key industry decision-makers will meet to shape the future of automotive retail.”
Themed “Shift Happens”, this year’s summit acknowledges the pressing need for resilience in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal. Shifting consumer behaviour, technological disruption, and volatile global and local economic conditions are pushing dealerships to rethink their traditional operating models.
“The path forward can appear complex and daunting,” Mwela explained, “but periods of change also bring opportunity. DealerCon 2025 is designed to rise above this complexity and offer clear, strategic guidance and forward-thinking insights to empower South African dealerships as they navigate the next five to 10 years.”
Distinguished Speaker Line-Up
DealerCon 2025 has already confirmed a powerful roster of speakers, including:
- Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive, Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance
- Faan van der Walt, CEO, WeBuyCars
- Lee Naik, CEO, TransUnion Africa
- Brendon Cohen, Chairperson, NADA South Africa
- Mikel Mabasa, CEO, naamsa | The Automotive Business Council
With more announcements to follow, the speaker line-up reflects the cross-sector collaboration that will define the future of South African automotive retail.
What Delegates Can Expect
The one-day summit will focus on actionable insights, practical strategies, and collaborative dialogue. Highlights include:
- Access to Actionable Insights: Data-driven keynotes, expert panels, and cutting-edge strategies designed to give dealerships competitive advantage.
- Networking with Decision-Makers: The chance to engage directly with dealer principals, OEM executives, fintech pioneers, and policymakers.
- Dealer Resilience & Agility: Tools and frameworks to help the industry thrive amid socio-economic volatility.
- Decoding the Modern Car Buyer: Exploration of evolving consumer preferences and the shifting OEM landscape that will redefine the future used-car market.
- Practical Takeaways: Insights delegates can apply immediately across sales, marketing, finance, and operations.
Ticketing & Event Information
DealerCon 2025 is open to all automotive professionals with ticket packages tailored to diverse industry needs. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://dealercon.cars.co.za
Event Details:
- Date: 17 September 2025
- Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, and registration details:
📧 Tichatonga Magongwa — Tish@cars.co.za
DealerCon 2025 is not simply another conference. It is a strategic platform for collaboration, resilience, and innovation, designed to ensure that South Africa’s automotive retail sector remains agile, competitive, and future-ready.
