creamer media

The improved vehicle sales figures achieved in South Africa in 2010 were tied to the country’s recovery from the global economic slowdown. The South African economy officially moved out of recession during the third quarter of 2009 and, while economic recovery levels were relatively subdued for some time, there was a marked improvement in consumer sentiment and business confidence.

These factors were supported by lower interest rates and declining inflationary pressures. The vehicle market also benefitted from improved loan approval rates and pent-up replacement demand for vehicles, as well as from strong demand in the car rental industry, tied to South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This report examines the state of South Africa's automotive sector and the changes taking place in the industry in the aftermath of the global economic crisis.

Published: 08 June 2011.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of abbreviations 1

Key developments 2

Automotive demand 3–5

• Factors affecting sales

Automotive production 6–12

• Sector support
• Investment
• Local content
• Labour issues
• Future production
• Global position and competitiveness

Automotive exports 13–14

• Component exports

Automotive imports 15–16

Major OEMs 17–23

• BMW South Africa
• Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa
• General Motors South Africa
• Mercedes-Benz South Africa
• Nissan South Africa
• Toyota South Africa Motors
• Volkswagen Group South Africa

Prospects 24

Main sources 25–26