As South Africa navigates economic pressure, shifting global supply chains, and the transition toward new energy mobility, the importance of local vehicle manufacturing has never been more critical.
The automotive sector remains one of the country’s most significant economic drivers, contributing approximately 5.3% to South Africa’s GDP and accounting for over 22% of total manufacturing output. In 2023 alone, the industry generated nearly R290 billion in new vehicle revenue, while vehicle and component exports reached over R270 billion, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a key player in the global automotive value chain.
However, beyond headline economic figures, the real impact of local manufacturing lies in its ability to drive employment, industrial growth, and long-term economic resilience.
South Africa’s automotive industry directly employs more than 115,000 people, with tens of thousands more supported across component manufacturing, logistics, retail, and aftersales sectors.
Local production creates a powerful multiplier effect, supporting supplier and component manufacturing industries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), logistics and transport networks, as well as skills development in engineering, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
