F&I training needs a rethink, dealerships are catching on
The F&I office has always been a key part of the dealership experience, but recently, it has become one of the most pressured and misunderstood roles on the floor.
- Industry News
- 5 June 2025
Compared to global standards, the trading environment in South Africa remained extremely competitive, and in 2024, there were no fewer than 50 passenger car brands and 2 203 model derivatives, the greatest selection of market-size ratio found globally.
Similarly, in the light commercial vehicle segment, for the same period, there were 26 brands with 599 model derivatives to choose from, according to the newly released Automotive Business Council’s (naamsa) Automotive Trade Manual 2025.
Modern consumers don’t just want access to all the latest models and technologies in the world, but they also want an affordable price. Total new vehicle revenue, based on the recommended retail prices, amounted to R283.6 billion in 2024.
NEV sales reflected another impressive increase of 100.6% from 7 782 units in 2023 to 15 611 units in 2024, following the year-on-year increase of 65.8% in 2023. NEV sales’ share, by 21 brands, as a percentage of total new-vehicle sales, increased to a notable 3.0% in 2024, up from 1.47% in 2023.
As an export-orientated industry, the automotive industry has been facing a severe crisis as the unpredictability of rising tariffs and a looming trade war are causing a state of chronic uncertainty since 2024. South Africa has advantageous access to world markets through free trade agreements with major markets such as Europe and the UK, in addition, it is part of the SADC free trade area as well as a key member of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Imports of light vehicles (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) increased by 2.6% from 296 767 units in 2023 to 304 355 units in 2024. New light vehicles imported into South Africa originated from 24 countries. The top country of origin, in volume terms, for passenger cars and LCVs imported into South Africa in 2024 was India, with 173 742 vehicles, accounting for 57.1% of the total light vehicles imported, while China cemented its second position, accounting for 17.1%.
South Africa remained the dominant market on the African continent, and accounted for 50.9% of the total African vehicle production of 1 177 400 vehicles in 2024.
Internationally, there was modest growth in new-vehicle sales in 2024, growing by 2.7% and totalling 95.3 million units, up from 92.9 million units sold in 2023. The automotive industry was visibly divided in 2024. Traditional OEMs from Europe, Japan and the US faced declining sales and restructuring.
The F&I office has always been a key part of the dealership experience, but recently, it has become one of the most pressured and misunderstood roles on the floor.
South Africans have now joined other global drivers in experiencing and driving the award-winning, bold, futuristic and versatile new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
Mercedes-AMG’s GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is the fastest accelerating AMG model, and it is now locally available.
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A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
The F&I office has always been a key part of the dealership experience, but recently, it has become one of the most pressured and misunderstood roles on the floor.
Chery South Africa says it is accelerating its growth in the local car-rental industry, with its national passenger vehicle market share reaching 6.2% in the past month. As interest in Chery’s range of vehicles continues to grow for consumers and fleet operators, the brand is seeing increasing interest from rental car companies nationwide.
Ulterio Motiv will exhibit a total of three vehicles at this year’s Hankook Land Cruiser Festival. Held annually, the Land Cruiser Festival caters not only to Toyota Land Cruiser enthusiasts, but also to various companies that supply products, upgrades and equipment for these vehicles.