Mazda MX-5 owners flying low to the Lowveld
The Mazda MX-5 has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most iconic sports cars, and in South Africa, its following has grown into a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
- Industry News
- 14 September 2026
Parts obsolescence has been a subject that has plagued both dealers and OEMs since time immemorial. Unfortunately, it is still very evident today, despite most DMS systems providing processes and reports to manage it.
With the plethora of makes, models, specification variants and combinations, there are many more parts lines now than there have ever been. In the past, one engine could work for multiple models in the line-up but now each model can have multiple different engines depending on the specific spec of that particular vehicle within the model.
Added to this, there are so many models in SA where sales are single figures per model per month, so that it is difficult to know what to stock. Normal fast or medium movers for a volume model could well be obsolete for a model with lower volumes.
Most (95%+) of obsolescence DOES NOT come from stock orders (assuming that your stock orders are for parts that have the required movement to be stocked). Parts obsolescence should also not only be determined by the age of the part – often the day you buy the wrong part, but it is also obsolete.
Obsolete parts come from:
It is essential that dealership management ensures that these areas are reviewed regularly (some daily, some weekly) and that corrective action is taken immediately.
How much is acceptable obsolescence? Obsolescence that results from bona fide business risk is what I view as acceptable. If you decide to stock a slow-moving part in case an important customer needs it or you issue a credit on a slow-moving part because it is an important customer, or if it is totally out of your control – that is an example of a strategic or acceptable obsolescence.
Where obsolescence is as a result of poor business practices, unskilled staff carelessness and poor discipline, then I would say that anything you write off is unacceptable.
Take care.
Donald
The Mazda MX-5 has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most iconic sports cars, and in South Africa, its following has grown into a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
Stucky Motor Group has extended its FAW Trucks footprint in KwaZulu-Natal with the opening of a new retail-focused dealership in Kingsmead, Durban.
South African car buyers are increasingly considering the full cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on the showroom price or monthly instalment.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Stucky Motor Group has extended its FAW Trucks footprint in KwaZulu-Natal with the opening of a new retail-focused dealership in Kingsmead, Durban.
South African car buyers are increasingly considering the full cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on the showroom price or monthly instalment.
Omoda Jaecoo South Africa recognised the leading performers within its national dealer network at its second annual Dealer Conference and Awards, held recently.