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:

• The 8th Annual Festival of Motoring, scheduled to take place from 29 to 31 August 2025 at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg (www.safestivalofmotoring.co.za).
• Naamsa’s SA Auto Week, scheduled to take place from 1 to 3 October 2025 in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape under the theme, “Reimagining the Future, Together: Cultivating Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity” (www.naamsa.net).
• The 10th edition of the Automechanika Johannesburg, coinciding with the Futuroad Expo Johannesburg, scheduled to take place from 28 to 30 October 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg (www.automechanikasa.co.za).
• The 4th iteration of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) Show, scheduled to take place in Gqeberha from 13 to 14 August 2025 in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) (www.naacam.org.za).

International:

• Automechanika Dubai in the UAE, scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 December 2025 (www.automechanikadubai.ae.messefrankfurt.com).