Auto industry’s contribution to SA economy at a glance

At the maiden press conference of the inaugural SA Auto Week, Acting President of the National Association of Automotive Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) and CEO of Toyota SA, Andrew Kirby, presented a summary of the auto industry’s contribution to the economy.

Laurel and michael evans c K Dq7nx Vd Q unsplash

Here are some of the most titillating statistics:

  • The auto industry is the single largest manufacturing sector of the economy with a 17,3% slice of the pie
  • The industry contributes 4,3% to the country’s GDP
  • The capital expenditure of the industry is R8,8 billion by OEMs and R5,7 billion by component manufacturers
  • OEMs employ 30 697 people monthly
  • SA’s vehicle production for 2021 stood at 499 087 units and its total sales for the same period were 464 493.
  • SA ranks at nr 21 in the global vehicle production ranks.
  • SA’s global vehicle production market share is 0,62%
  • The total automotive export earnings for the year in question was R207,5 billion.
  • 5347 new jobs were added by the industry between July 2021 and June 2022
  • There are 12,96 million registered vehicles in SA

More Industry News stories

Stellantis and Bolt join forces for autonomous vehicles

Stellantis and Bolt join forces for autonomous vehicles

Stellantis and Bolt have announced a partnership to jointly explore the development and deployment of Level 4 autonomous vehicles for commercial operations across Europe, marking a significant step to bring driverless mobility to the continent's streets.

  • 12 December 2025
NAACAM announces new leaders for 2026/2027

NAACAM announces new leaders for 2026/2027

The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) was held as an elective meeting, allowing members to vote for representatives to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Regional Committees. This process ensures that NAACAM’s leadership continues to reflect the expertise, experience and regional diversity of its membership.

  • 12 December 2025
Nissan partners with Wayve for AI-powered driver assistance

Nissan partners with Wayve for AI-powered driver assistance

Nissan Motor Co, Ltd and Wayve have announced definitive agreements to collaborate on integrating next-generation ProPILOT technology with Wayve's artificial intelligence software across a broad range of Nissan vehicles.

  • 11 December 2025