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

Volvo cars now feature Google Gemini

Volvo cars now feature Google Gemini

Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.

  • 5 May 2026
April new vehicle sales defy economic pressures

April new vehicle sales defy economic pressures

New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.

  • 5 May 2026
South Africa’s vehicle market holds firm

South Africa’s vehicle market holds firm

April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.

  • 5 May 2026