For over three decades, AutoTrader has aimed to shape the way vehicles are bought and sold in South Africa. What began in 1992 as a 24-page print magazine connecting car sellers and buyers has since evolved into a digital platform driving transparency, speed, and smarter decision-making in automotive retail, says AutoTrader.

Now, that journey enters a new and entirely different phase. On Thursday, 16 October, AutoTrader South Africa  hosts Dealer Connect 2025 at The Galleria in Kramerville, Sandton. During the event, a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence Dealer and Consumer Suite of tools and features is revealed — technology designed with the aim to redefine how dealerships interact with car buyers and how buyers find their next car, says AutoTrader.

It aims to represent the next evolution of connected retail intelligence, enabling dealerships to perform more efficiently, operate faster and engage buyers with unprecedented precision, adds AutoTrader.

"Every innovation we've introduced has started with listening to our dealers," says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader South Africa. "From the early print days to our most advanced digital tools, the goal has always been the same — to simplify the process, build trust and create growth opportunities. This next step continues this legacy, taking the dealer-buyer connection into the age of artificial intelligence."

Over the years, AutoTrader has aimed to consistently deliver technology that simplifies dealership operations while deepening transparency. From early platform features like Response Manager and Call Tracker to dealer tools such as Price Ratings and Ratings & Reviews (all industry firsts in South Africa), each milestone has aimed to strengthen trust and confidence between buyers and sellers, says AutoTrader.

At the heart of AutoTrader South Africa lies its culture — one defined by speed, collaboration and a pursuit of progress. Rather than waiting for perfection, AutoTrader focuses on creating minimum viable products that reach dealers quickly, allowing for real-world testing, learning and refinement. This agile mindset aims to ensure that every innovation is shaped by customer feedback and built for real impact, adds AutoTrader.

This reveal aims to build on that foundation. Attendees see how this new technology is poised to supercharge dealer performance, drive profitability and accelerate inventory turnover, enabling South African dealerships to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape, says AutoTrader.

"Dealers are under pressure to move stock faster, engage buyers smarter and operate with total efficiency," adds Mienie. "Our new AI tools are designed to make that possible. To give dealers an edge through data, automation and insight. It's about preparing South Africa's dealerships for the future of automotive retail, today."

Automotive retail professionals can learn more about the reveal at DealerConnect2025, where updates will be shared following the exclusive launch, says AutoTrader.

The reveal also sets the stage for the AutoTrader Dealer Awards 2025, a celebration of excellence within the dealer community and a testament to the innovation, integrity and collaboration that continue to define South Africa's automotive retail industry, concludes AutoTrader.

For more information, visit www.autotrader.co.za. You can also follow AutoTrader South Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor