AUTOMX INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
The AutoMX Conference at Sun City brought together the collision repair industry for two full days of focused conversation, practical insight, and, just as importantly, connection. From the outset, it was clear this was a well-run event. Attendance was strong across the board, with OEMs, body shops, insurers, and suppliers all showing up in numbers that reflected the industry’s appetite for alignment.
The presence of major OEMs, including Ford, BYD, Mahindra, Nissan, and Stellantis, gave the conference real weight. Ford added a celebratory note with its awards ceremony, while across the sessions, OEMs used the platform to talk less about the present and more about what’s coming next. Upcoming model launches and evolving approval programmes were recurring themes, signalling an industry that is actively reshaping itself.
The exhibition area mirrored that energy. It remained consistently busy, not just with foot traffic but with genuine engagement and purposeful conversation. They were there to solve problems, build relationships, and understand where the industry is heading.
Proceedings were steered by host Al Prodgers, who also took to the stage as a keynote speaker. His presence helped set a tone that balanced professionalism with accessibility as well as humour thrown in.
One of the standout contributions came from Caeleigh Pawson, who spoke candidly about the day-to-day realities of running a collision repair business. She touched on both the pressures and the pride that defines the industry, highlighting operational challenges while reminding the audience of the skill and resilience that underpin the sector.
Gary Gueli from AutoMX unpacked the evolution of approval programmes following the findings of the Competition Commission. His session provided clarity on where things stand and where they may be heading, an area of ongoing concern for many in attendance.
Technology and efficiency were also in focus. The upcoming VIN and warranty validation feature on the AutoMX platform drew interest, while enhancements to Save-A-Car are already making an impact. The promise of a 24-hour turnaround time from OEMs suggests a shift toward faster, more responsive processes, something the industry has long needed.
Skills development emerged as a critical theme. Michael Mogashoa from NF Apprentices did not soften the message. The need for training is urgent, and the gap is real. He didn’t skirt around the sticking point of merSETA and we look forward to the way around this. The NF Apprenticeship programme’s strength lies in identifying and supporting talent before the student gets to the workshop floor, and then working the entire journey with the learner and business. The challenge, as he framed it, is scale and consistency.
There was also a strong sense of inclusion in initiatives like the township hub programme presented by AIDC, which is already showing encouraging results as it rolls out.
Away from the conference floor, the event made space for people to connect on a more personal level. A team-building session in the heat of the day proved surprisingly effective, breaking down barriers across different parts of the industry. By the time the gala dinner came around, those connections were evident. With Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels providing the soundtrack, the evening felt like a genuine celebration.
Behind it all, the AutoMX team delivered. The event ran smoothly and the industry showed up. It’s a simple formula, but not an easy one to execute, and they got it right.
By Claire Macfie
Pics by Ian Groat
