It is anticipated that seven out of every 10 vehicles in South Africa will be fitted with lower-priced imported tyres in the next five years.
In 2021, these tyres, most of which are imported from China, already accounted for more than 50 per cent of local circulation, according to research by the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC).
Werner du Preez, General Manager of Eastern Cape-based Kelston Tyres, says South Africans have become extremely price-sensitive, which explains why these brands have gained the market traction they had.
Furthermore, Werner and industry colleagues expect a dramatic increase in the number of motorists who choose these tyres in the next few years. This, he says, may affect the supply of locally manufactured tyres.
While the quality of these imports has improved over the last decade, Werner says it should be remembered that they did not carry the same advantages as tyres produced in South Africa by the likes of Continental and Dunlop.
“The fact is we don’t know where exactly these tyres are being manufactured, whereas we know where our locally manufactured products come from,” he says.
“If you sustain damage to a locally produced tyre or a factory defect is detected, the matter can be addressed immediately with the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) concedrned.”
This is in contrast to an imported tyre where, in many cases, there isn’t a representative available to assist.
While the standard of cheaper alternatives has improved, the difference between these and local products still varies as local tyres are built for South African weather and road conditions, ensuring a longer lifespan. Imported tyres, on the other hand, are manufactured according to a standard, fixed design.
On average, he says, tyres manufactured locally were good for about 15 000 to 20 000 more kilometres than those from overseas. He did, however, emphasise that driving style and road conditions played a major role in any product’s longevity.
Werner, who oversees operations at Kelston’s BestDrive branch in Gqeberha, Tyremart in Kariega and Fastlane in Somerset East, says many customers in Nelson Mandela Bay, in particular, remain true to Continental, Goodyear, Dunlop and Bridgestone/Firestone.
Charging time remains a worry for many South Africans considering an electric vehicle, who still see it as a disruption rather than a quick stop at a filling station. That view is starting to shift.
The winners of the 2026 Automotive Business Council | naamsa Accelerator Awards were announced at the recently held Auto Week 2026, which took place in eThekwini, KZN.
When Cobus Coetzee (photo) accepted the opportunity to join the Morgan Group in Upington, he had to weigh up more than a new position. The move meant exchanging the West Coast’s cooler climate and seaside lifestyle for the Northern Cape’s desert heat, while taking responsibility for a multi-franchise operation spread across several premises.
Advertisement
Advertisement
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
The winners of the 2026 Automotive Business Council | naamsa Accelerator Awards were announced at the recently held Auto Week 2026, which took place in eThekwini, KZN.
With the steep rise in fuel prices since March this year leading to historic record highs following massive increases in October, the government intervention annouched this week, is widely welcomed.
Omoda has confirmed that the new C4 will become the first model from the Chery Group to be built in South Africa, with production set to take place at the company's Rosslyn manufacturing facility in Gauteng.
