WeBuyCars’ (WBC) first-of-its-kind online motor vehicle registration and notice of change of ownership (NCO) system recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, with the initiative proving to be a big hit among users.
WBC and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) launched the new system back in August 2023 to streamline car registrations and change of ownership, which at the time were cumbersome procedures and the roots of many complaints from WBC customers.
Initially, these processes were handled exclusively by the RTMC and required individuals to physically visit a licensing centre to apply for and collect vehicle registration documents and changes of ownership.
The new system significantly simplifies this process by allowing approved entities, such as dealerships, financial institutions, and insurers, to access the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) directly through an online platform.
By facilitating digital completion of bulk motor vehicle registrations and ownership transfers, the system drastically reduced turnaround times and enhanced service delivery in the automotive retail sphere.
It has also introduced a new form to the country’s licensing regime – the RC2 registration document – which allows for the final registration of vehicles at a walk-in centre after the online title release.
“The new system has witnessed a significant reduction in customer complaints regarding delays with vehicle registrations,” said WBC.
“Such delays are inherent to traditional walk-in registering authorities and licensing service centres due to the sheer volumes of vehicle registrations and other services that they must process daily.”
4,000% growth
WBC’s online platform was introduced in several phases and required extensive preparations to ensure it operated smoothly considering it was the first of its kind in South Africa.
Making its debut on 22 August 2023, the system endured extensive stress testing during the first three months of operation to guarantee stability should it receive an influx of users.
Come January 2024, WBC implemented the online tool through a strategic roll-out plan that included a well-thought-out management structure involving both the private and public sectors, it said, with the licensing system going from strength to strength over the course of 2024.
Vehicle registrations on the WBC platform surged from 163 in January to a commendable 7,051 in August, a staggering increase of 4,225%.
Additionally, the online release of vehicle titles grew from 245 to 10,418 over the same period, reflecting a growth of 4,152%.
“RTMC and WeBuyCars continue to work together to leverage technology and innovation to advance road traffic management,” said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
“The successful implementation and expansion of the online vehicle registration and NCO system underscore the positive impact of public-private partnerships in driving efficiencies and enhancing customer experiences in South Africa’s vehicle registration processes.”
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