DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za, will take place on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The summit is positioned as South Africa’s leading automotive retail event, bringing together dealer principals, OEM executives, fintech leaders, and industry stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of vehicle retail.
The theme for this year, Mind Over Metal – Mindsets That Move Markets, reflects the growing importance of consumer psychology and adaptability in an industry under pressure from affordability concerns, digital disruption, and sustainability demands. Delegates will explore how South Africans approach vehicle ownership, how dealers can remain resilient in uncertain times, and how technology is reshaping the sales process, the organisers say.
A central focus will be on consumer behaviour, with sessions examining how buyers make decisions and what influences their commitment to purchase. Alongside this, dealer resilience will be discussed, highlighting strategies to thrive despite economic headwinds. The summit will also address digital transformation, particularly the role of fintech and online platforms in streamlining transactions, while sustainability will be explored through the lens of electric and hybrid adoption in South Africa.
The speaker lineup includes Amasi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za, Alan Quinn, Chief Product & Innovation Officer at Cars.co.za, Charl Potgieter from Absa Vehicle & Asset Finance, Bobby Ramagwede of the Automobile Association of South Africa, Robert Gwerengwe of WesBank, Billy Tom of Isuzu Motors South Africa, Shinny Gobiyeza from naamsa, and Errol Levin of Weelee. Their contributions will provide a broad perspective on finance, consumer advocacy, manufacturing, and dealer innovation.
One of the highlights will be the release of the Cars.co.za Industry Report 2026, offering exclusive insights into affordability trends, consumer preferences, and digital habits. This report is expected to become a key reference point for dealers and manufacturers seeking to align with market realities.
DealerCon 2026 is not only about presentations but also about networking. The event provides a platform for collaboration across the automotive ecosystem, encouraging partnerships that can strengthen the industry’s resilience and competitiveness.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
South African consumers face growing pressure on household finances after the South African Reserve Bank raises interest rates, adding to a range of rising costs that are already influencing vehicle purchasing decisions.
