The South African automotive industry is deeply entrenched in international supply chains. Export-driven growth continues to benefit the automotive industry and spurs activity in downstream sectors.
While exports and export-led growth offer numerous advantages, they are not without challenges. Dependence on external demand, vulnerability to global market economic fluctuations and trade barriers are potential downsides.
Thus, for the South African automotive industry, a balanced economic strategy that includes domestic market development remains essential, particularly in the current context of the inevitable transition to new-energy vehicles.
The various national and international annual automotive events bring together leading manufacturers, suppliers, OE and aftermarket components, equipment, new innovations, the latest models and services under one roof, along with conferences and panel discussions.
Automotive events and exhibitions are valuable for the domestic automotive industry in many ways. In addition to unlocking business opportunities, the showcasing of products, the launching of new products and connecting with customers, they also provide an essential platform for thought leadership round tables allowing leaders from government, business and labour to deliberate, discuss and share knowledge of and insights into relevant topics.
Must-attend national and international events on the calendar of the domestic automotive community in 2025 include the following:
South Africa:
International:
As fuel prices continue to climb across South Africa, many motorists are beginning to question whether owning a car still makes financial sense. With in-land petrol prices now at R26.63 a litre and diesel costs rising sharply in May, transport expenses are placing growing pressure on household budgets.
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Two new off-grid, solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) have been switched on as part of the Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) network.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Margins are shrinking, customers are under financial strain, and competition is intensifying across South Africa’s motor retail sector. Against this backdrop, dealerships are being forced to rethink how they remain profitable while still building customer trust and long term sustainability.
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
