
Absa puts data, demographics and purchase decisions under the spotlight at DealerCon
Demand, opportunity and timing – these are some of the key factors driving South African consumers’ vehicle purchasing decisions.
- Industry News
- 18 September 2025
AARTO, POPIA and FICA are not words that excite, but any dealership that does not understand the impact of these legislative prescriptions can face severe disruption.
The role of AARTO with its point demerit system for driver behaviour will impact dealerships when its implemented with effect from mid-2025. Its precise impact and how to manage AARTO at dealership level will need to be sorted before then.
So says Brandon Cohen, national chairperson of NADA and compliance expert (MOTUS Group Governance and Compliance Lead) who spoke at the recent NADAConnect conference in Cape Town.
AARTO is the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act and points against your name, or a suspended drivers licence, could have a huge effect on both staff and potential customers alike.
In his speech, Brandon also mentioned other aspects relating to the implementation of AARTO, for instance regarding the sale of vehicles to customers with suspended licences, vehicle financing and insurance. Another interesting fact is that points can be issued against a vehicle itself if the driver cannot be pinpointed, and this would have an effect on the sale of the vehicle concerned.
He also touched on the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) and role, penalties and compliance of dealerships in terms of these legal and regulatory requirements.
Watch the video with Brandon Cohen and other speakers at the conference by following this link: https://nada.co.za/
Mahindra South Africa held its Dealer Conference 2025 in Dubai with a focus on strengthening dealer partnerships, enhancing the customer experience and shaping the future together.
The traditional art of haggling with car dealers is getting a digital makeover. A subscription-based artificial intelligence service in the USA is now doing the negotiating for thousands of customers, promising to eliminate the stress and time commitment of securing a better price on vehicle purchases.
“I’m excited and ready for the new challenge,” says Brian Looney, the newly appointed Dealer Principal at CFAO Mobility’s brand-new Isuzu dealership at Cape Gate, which is set to be fully operational from October this year.