According to a Reuters report, South Africa is engaged in discussions with Chinese automotive manufacturers to encourage local investment, with at least one company showing considerable interest in establishing production facilities in the country, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.
Africa's most advanced automotive manufacturing centre finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with declining domestic output while simultaneously experiencing a substantial increase in vehicle imports, predominantly from China.
The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly fierce, with established players such as Toyota and Volkswagen now competing for market share against electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, alongside Chery, Great Wall Motor (GWM) and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC).
Speaking to parliamentarians, Trade, Industry & Competition Deputy Minister, Zuko Godlimpi, confirmed that negotiations are currently underway with several Chinese automakers regarding the establishment of local manufacturing operations rather than continuing with imports.
"One area of particular interest for them is investment in hybrid and electric vehicles, as these represent the market segment they are serving globally," Zuko explains.
The deputy minister disclosed that one Chinese company held discussions with the trade and industry department in August, expressing keen interest in establishing operations in either East London or Port Elizabeth.
As Chinese automakers seek to escape the pressures of a destructive price war in their domestic market, they are increasingly turning to Africa in pursuit of profitability. BYD and Chery are among approximately 15 Chinese automotive brands currently active in South Africa, with Geely, Leapmotor, and Changan preparing to enter the market in the near future.
South Africa is simultaneously reviewing its tariff structure as part of efforts to shield the domestic automotive sector from low-cost imports.
"We have been working to increase import duties to their maximum permissible levels to ensure that inexpensive imports do not undercut vehicles manufactured in South Africa," Zuko states, acknowledging that implementing such changes requires considerable time.
The developments highlight South Africa's strategic position as both a gateway to the African continent and a potential manufacturing hub for Chinese automotive companies seeking to diversify their global operations beyond their increasingly competitive home market.
Photo: Lenny Kkuhne – Unsplash.
Nissan says the latest wave of launches from the brand in South Africa supports Nissan’s long-standing commitment to the country, underpinned by more than 60 years of local presence.
The stories shared at the 2025 Tata Dealer Conference in South Africa, weren’t just tales of sales success. They were case studies in how local business development happens when a network is built on mentorship, innovation and long-term commitment and partnerships.
Europe’s automotive sector, once a global leader, is facing what McKinsey describes as “the largest transformation in the industry’s history”.
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
Europe’s automotive sector, once a global leader, is facing what McKinsey describes as “the largest transformation in the industry’s history”.
Ever wondered what goes on inside those bustling panel beating workshops after you hand over your keys?
Carla Seppings, CEO of Bidvest Automotive, a prominent player in the South African automotive retail sector, shared insightful perspectives on the industry's evolution during a recent Cars.co.za podcast ahead of Cars.co.za DealerCon 2025 on 17 September.
