A Driving force in South Africa’s automotive aftermarket
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation is a proactive, relevant, retail and associated motor industry organisation recognised
as the leading voice in South Africa‘s automotive after market. It serves the daily needs of its members and plays a key role
in enabling motor traders to deliver a superior service to motoring consumers. Eight Associations fall proudly under the RMI
umbrella. Inter-associational business-to-business trading is encouraged in the interests of all stakeholders.
HEaD OFFICE www.rmi.org.za
Tel: +27 11 886 6300 | Surrey Square Office Park, 330 Surrey Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194, Gauteng, P. O. Box 2940, Randburg, 2125
REGIONaL OFFICES
Central: Randburg tel: +27 11 886 6300 | KwaZulu-Natal: Durban tel: +27 31 266 7031 | Eastern Cape/Border: Port Elizabeth tel: +27 41 364 0070 |
Western Cape: Cape Town tel: +27 21 939 9440 | Free State / Northern Cape: Bloemfontein tel: +27 51 430 3294
SaPRa – South African Petroleum
Retailers’ Association
SAPRA represents the interests of all petroleum retailers in
South Africa. Its aim is to improve growth and profitability
for the investor. SAPRA plays an important role in tracking
global and local trends that affect sustainability and help
retailers remain relevant in an ever-changing business
environment. Retailers voice concerns through one of
the seven regional chairs strategically located around
the country, into a National Executive Committee (NEC),
where strategy and solutions are developed. This bottom
up approach is a fundamental SAPRA imperative.
SaMBRa – South African Motor Body
Repairers’ Association
SAMBRA is the pre-eminent motor body repair association in
South Africa representing the majority of accredited motor body
repairers. SAMBRA’s grading system, which was introduced over
30 years ago, regulates repairer standards in the motor body repair
industry in South Africa and instils confidence in consumers and
industry stakeholders alike. The Association works in close collab-
oration with various key industry stakeholders including Insurers,
Original Equipment Suppliers, paint and equipment suppliers, the
labour department and trade unions, as well as related SETAs – to
maintain industry sustainability and development. It ensures the
provision of technical and business management skills training in
order for members to meet the demands of the industry.
TEPa – Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association
TEPA represents tyre dealers; garage/workshop equipment and
tool importers and distributors; auto part wholesalers, retailers
and independent operators in the aftermarket motor parts
industry as well as manufacturers and importers of parts for
the automotive aftermarket. The members of TEPA represent,
promote, sell and endorse the use of legitimate, bona fide,
quality branded products. TEPA members also export parts,
equipment and components into Africa and other countries in
the world. TEPA encourages at all times inter-associational RMI
business-to-business trading, intent on strengthening the RMI
Organisation as a whole. TEPA is seen as the mark of integrity
and fair trade for the consumer, the business operator and the
government. The Association is the legitimate voice of the tyre,
equipment, and parts industry in South Africa and is positioned
as an intermediary between government, business, and the
consumer.
VTa – Vehicle Testing Association
The VTA represents private vehicle testing stations that are
committed to operating within the law in accordance with the
Road Traffic Act and the relevant SANS standards. In this highly
regulated environment, the association represents the interests
of its members at government level working groups and is
committed to enhancing the reputation of the industry in all the
spheres.
aRa – Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association
ARA represents the remanufacturing trade sector. This includes
component remanufacturers involved in safety-critical compo-
nents, inclusive of but not limited to vehicle cooling, turbocharger
and braking systems; automotive engineers who machine and
remanufacture engine components by way of expert engineering
– ultimately rebuilding engines to its original specifications; and
specialists in the repair, servicing and remanufacturing of diesel
fuel injection systems fitted to diesel engines in earth moving
equipment, highway trucks, stationary engines and passenger
vehicles. ARA promotes the responsible reuse of remanufactured
engine components for a ‘greener’ environment (carbon foot-
print). Its members are dedicated to providing consumers with
only the best of advice, finest service delivery, and highest quality
workmanship.
NaDa – National Automobile Dealers’ Association
NADA represents the interests of business people who own or
operate new motor vehicle and motorcycle franchise dealerships
and qualifying used motor vehicle and motorcycle outlets. NADA
is committed to the image enhancement of the retail motor busi-
ness, facilitating the interface between dealers and OEMs; import-
ers and distributors; building relationships between dealers and
customers and bringing relevant industry issues to the attention of
government. NADA is the respected voice on all matters relating to
motor vehicle and motorcycle dealer business.
MIWa – Motor Industry Workshop Association
MIWA, the Independent Workshop Association, representing
general repairs, auto electrical; air conditioning; accessories and
fitment as well as transmission and driveline workshops strives
to remain ahead of the ever-changing technologies and best
practices of the aftermarket motor industry. MIWA encourages
members to support inter-associational, business-to-business
trading with a view to strengthen the RMI. MIWA remains the
leading resource for members ensuring continued relevance
and sustainability.
SaVaBa – South African Vehicle and
Bodybuilders’ Association
SAVABA members are professional, certified and regulated
vehicle body builders in South Africa who manufacture
commercial vehicle body applications (tanker, coal, refrigerated
trucks and trailers) and bus bodies (commuter and tourist
type). Members manufacture using the latest equipment and
highly trained staff to ensure strict compliance with NRCS
regulations; SABS standards and all other legal specifications
and requirements.
CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS
NEWS
Enter here
R10 000 up for grabs in the Automobil Readers
Competition.
e at Automobil value your read-
ership and will be rewarding
one lucky reader with a R10 000
prize.
Each month (from the February 2023
issue) there will be a set of questions, the
answers to which can be found on the pag-
es of that issue of Automobil. Each month,
up until the July issue, you can enter as
many times as you like. The winner will be
drawn randomly on the 31st of July 2023.
To view the fourth round of
questions, to enter and for the
Terms & Conditions of this compe-
tition please click on the links below.
Good luck.
Win big with Automobil magazine
OCTOBER 2022
WWW.AUTOMOBIL.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BUSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY
HIGHLIGHTS FROM
AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT
BUILDING TAILORED SOLUTIONS
FOR THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
47 YEARS OF CHANGING GEARS
NOVEMBER 2022
WWW.AUTOMOBIL.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BUSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY
TEPA: GIVING TYRE DEALERS A VOICE
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE RMI
TOYOTA 2000GT RESTORED
DECEMBER 2022
WWW.AUTOMOBIL.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BUSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY
TRANSFORMATION BEGINS
WITH THE YOUTH OF TODAY
IS THERE A FUTURE FOR
FUEL-CELL VEHICLES?
MOTOR INDUSTRY RECOVERS
DURING THIRD QUARTER
JANUARY 2023
WWW.AUTOMOBIL.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BUSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY
A 2023 ECONOMIC
OUTLOOK
LOOKING BACK.
LOOKING AHEAD
STAYING RELEVANT
IN AN EVOLVING
INDUSTRY
utomotive dealerships will not disappear
anytime soon, despite the increasing
trend of researching and buying vehicles
online. This emerged during an inaugural thought
leadership roundtable discussion, organised by
NAAMSA, last month.
While the roundtable’s panellists, which in-
cluded Autotrader’s CEO George Mienie, agreed
that the digital age has transformed the way
people shop, they argued there are several com-
pelling reasons why brick-and-mortar car deal-
erships will continue to play a crucial role in the
South African automotive industry.
Firstly, it was pointed out that the process
of buying a car is inherently different from pur-
chasing other consumer goods. “A vehicle is a
significant investment, often the second-largest
purchase a person makes after buying a home. As
a result, the decision-making process becomes
more complex and demands a higher level of
trust and confidence,” said Minnie.
“Physical dealerships provide an opportunity
for potential buyers to interact with knowledge-
able sales representatives, ask questions, and
receive personalised guidance. The personal
touch is invaluable in establishing trust and cul-
tivating long-term customer relationships,” he
elaborated.
Minnie added that test driving a car remains a
critical aspect of the car buying process. “While
online research can provide a wealth of infor-
mation about a vehicle’s specifications, features,
and reviews, there is no substitute for experienc-
ing a car first hand.
Physical dealerships allow customers to see,
touch, and test drive vehicles before making a
decision. This ensures that buyers are confident
in their choice and satisfied with their purchase.
Moreover, the automotive industry is not ex-
empt from the requirement for post-purchase
support and services. And car owners require
regular maintenance, repairs, and access to
authentic parts and accessories, too. Physical
dealerships serve as hubs for essential services,
providing customers with a convenient and reli-
able source of support throughout the lifespan of
their vehicle.
Even Tesla, a disruptive company that has
revolutionised the electric vehicle market, un-
derstands the importance of physical retail loca-
tions. While Tesla has embraced online sales and
direct-to-consumer distribution, its showrooms
and service centres are strategically located in
high-traffic areas. They provide potential buyers
with the opportunities to experience their vehi-
cles first hand, while also allowing existing own-
ers to access expert service and support.
This hybrid approach demonstrates that even
the most innovative companies recognise the
enduring relevance of physical dealerships in the
automotive industry.
“So, while the digital age has undoubtedly
transformed the way we research and purchase
cars, traditional dealerships will remain crucial in
the automotive industry. The unique nature of
the car buying process, the importance of test
drives, and the need for ongoing support and
services all contribute to the enduring relevance
of physical car dealerships.
“As exemplified by Tesla, a successful automo-
tive business model is likely to involve a combina-
tion of online and offline strategies. This ensures
that customers receive the best possible experi-
ence throughout their car ownership journey,”
concluded Mienie.
NAAMSA will hold three more roundtable dis-
cussions on various topics that are crucial to the
automotive industry throughout the year.
Dealerships are here to stay
www.automobil.co.za
May 2023