Ghost Stories #82: WeBuyCars - from dealer revolution to digital evolution

WeBuyCars is an excellent example of a disruptor in the South African market, having completely changed the way people buy and especially sell their vehicles. Gone are the days of desperate listings in the classifieds and opaque market prices that are difficult to estimate. Today, the used car market is liquid and filled to the brim with data, thanks primarily to the scale achieved by WeBuyCars.

As a sign of just how valuable the data and technology systems are, WeBuyCars has announced that Chief Digital Officer Wynand Beukes will also take the role of Deputy CEO as part of succession planning at the group. CEO Faan van der Walt isn't going anywhere just yet though - he still has plenty of energy to give the group.

In this candid discussion about the vehicle market and the business, Faan and Wynand joined me to discuss topics like:

• The succession planning at the group and what investors can expect from this.
• The significant changes in the local vehicle landscape and the impact this has had on used car vehicles and trade patterns.
• The flexibility in the WeBuyCars business model and how they use data and technology to buy smarter and optimise their operations.
• Opportunities related to value-added services and expansion of the footprint.

Please note that I have a long position in WeBuyCars at the time of this recording - a position that I have written about many times before.

This podcast has been sponsored by WeBuyCars. As always, I was given an opportunity to dig into the strategy and ask my own questions in my quest to learn more. You must always do your own research and speak to a financial advisor before making any decision to invest. This podcast should not be seen as an investment recommendation or an endorsement.