The partnership, which will bring with it an entirely new level of engagement between buyers, dealers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), is aligned with Absa’s strategic objective of being the bank of choice for the automotive industry.

“We have expanded our focus to partner with a wider spectrum of automotive industry role players,” says Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive of Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance. “We’re consciously expanding our footprint in response to shifting market trends. By doing this, we aim to bring manufacturers and dealers closer to the consumer – and this partnership provides the perfect platform for that.”

Cars.co.za, a leading online sales and motoring advisory hub, is widely regarded as South Africa’s most-loved automotive platform – and the awards programme, established in 2015, is highly influential. Drawing on input from car owners, rigorous test drives by a respected panel of 20 judges, and further data provided by Lightstone Consumer, Cars.co.za names the best cars in 13 different categories each year, allowing for every budget and lifestyle.

“Cars.co.za is all about helping car buyers make informed purchasing decisions,” says the company’s MD, Amasi Mwela. “As a car is usually a consumer’s second-largest purchase after a house, our aim is to connect buyers with dealers and to provide the invaluable information they need to make the right decision when buying a car.”

“Partnering with the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards strongly resonates with our objective of endorsing innovative initiatives that bridge the gap between consumers, trusted dealers and manufacturers,” says Charl. “This highly respected awards programme is not just about celebrating the automotive industry’s finest; it’s about strengthening the dynamic space in which the industry operates.”

“The #CarAwards already boasts a highly respected methodology,” says Hannes Oosthuizen, Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Manager. “It’s unique scoring system involves extensive testing by the judges as well as real-world input from car owners, not only with regard to general product qualities but also reliability and after-sales service.”

As in previous years, the winners in the 13 product categories, as well as the winner of the sought-after Brand of the Year Award, will be announced at a gala event in Sandton on 29 February 2024. And there will be a whole lot of added sparkle this year. In addition to announcing the winners via traditional media platforms, Cars.co.za and Absa will be presenting a first-of-its kind Awards Roadshow, taking the winning vehicles – and all the finalists – directly to the consumer.

To coincide with the gala event, a unique Sandton City Mall Consumer Awards Roadshow will be held from 29 February to 3 March. All 39 vehicle brands selected as finalists will go on display under one roof, giving visitors the opportunity to inspect the country’s top picks for themselves.

They will also be able to test drive the vehicles they’re interested in and engage with Cars.co.za advisers and Absa dealership partners. They’ll even be able to buy the car of their choice in this one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

“We are incredibly excited to be working with Absa – as well as our dealer and OEM partners – to put together this incredible event. Our collaboration with Absa reinforces our dedication to providing consumers with a platform that is not just about making informed purchasing decisions but also about delivering a remarkable automotive experience.

“The Sandton City Mall Consumer Awards Roadshow, which we are introducing this year, will be an exceptional opportunity for South Africa’s car lovers to explore the country’s leading models and to purchase a vehicle from the line-up of 39 finalists in the 13 categories,” according to Amasi.

“The partnership between Cars.co.za and Absa brings fresh opportunities for both brands, which are aligned to a shared vision of growth throughout the automotive industry,” he says. “Together we aim to foster growth that will benefit consumers on all levels and in many ways,” Charl says.

• For further information about the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa, visit https://www.cars.co.za/content/carsawards/.