The 3rd Quarter Automechanika Johannesburg CEO Breakfast recently revealed the spectrum of explorable business opportunities for the automotive aftermarket and the commercial vehicle sector in Africa.
Leading the way with his opening address was Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in SA, Enrico Brandt, who attested to the strong German business presence in South Africa and particularly, the motor industry, at both OEM and aftermarket levels.
He stated that the dynamism of the motor industry was necessary to master the effects of transformational challenges. He noted the necessity of a close and continuing interface between the industry and government to ensure the recognition of its importance to ensure the sustainability of the motor industry.
Ronel Oberholzer (photo), Head of sub-Saharan Africa Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, supported by colleague Economist, Lerato Ntuli, delivered a riveting presentation on world trade patterns. She homed in on Africa, where the recently implemented African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA, established by the 55 members of the African Union with 54 member states having signed the Agreement) is set to make a huge difference in opening free trade opportunities on the Continent.
Although sub-Saharan Africa represents only 2% of world trade, the AfCFTA is the largest free trade area globally. Of the top five trade areas in Africa, South Africa was, in 2023, the largest trade area at 55% of all trade (up from 52% in 2015) followed by Egypt (12%), Mozambique (12%), Côte d’Ivoire (11%) and Nigeria (10%). Ronel indicated that there are significant impediments to trade expansion in many regions owing to insufficient infrastructure and security issues which, if resolved, could see rapid and exponential trade growth in the AfCFTA.
Of particular importance for the motor industry is the fact that overland trade in the AfCFTA constituted 61% of all trade in 2023, followed by seaborne (36%) and airborne (3%) trade. “The very nature of overland trade holds huge opportunity for commercial vehicle manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket to supply and serve the needs of the various regions within the AfCFTA and is an aspect which holds enormous potential benefit to the motor industry,” she said.
A striking collection of Alfa Romeo vehicles, spanning immaculate classics to the latest performance models, will gather at Modderfontein Bird & Sculpture Park on Sunday 20 September for the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza.
Kia South Africa has launched an upgraded Sonet range, with more safety, technology, and comfort across the line-up, backed by a five-year warranty with no kilometre limit.
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Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
A striking collection of Alfa Romeo vehicles, spanning immaculate classics to the latest performance models, will gather at Modderfontein Bird & Sculpture Park on Sunday 20 September for the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza.
Suzuki Auto South Africa has moved into its new head office and distribution centre at Longlake Logistics Park in Gauteng, marking another important milestone in the continued growth of the business in South Africa, the manufacturer claims.
South Africa’s automotive market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growing sales and rising interest in newer brands. Among them, Foton has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 7 000 vehicles sold locally within just two years of re‑entering the market.
