Supply Chain fragility exposed by Middle East crisis
The conflict in the Middle East has thrown global supply chains into disarray, exposing the risks of over-reliance on concentrated hubs.
- Industry News
- 10 April 2026
The automotive business council, naamsa, recently released the 2023 new vehicle statistics and for the fourth consecutive year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks claimed the market leader position for heavy commercial vehicles, reaffirming why the Mercedes-Benz Actros won the naamsa Extra-Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year award in 2023 in South Africa.
The Actros range for construction and distribution, significantly grew its unit sales in 2023 compared with the previous year. This once again indicates that the construction industry is regaining momentum and that the Actros, which is focusing on reduced maintenance costs for customers, is a force to be reckoned with.
“In a market where customers are spoilt for choice, we are beyond being grateful for our customers who trust Mercedes-Benz Trucks to support their businesses. We are positive that the heavy commercial vehicle market will remain strong, and we look forward to further serving our customers in 2024,” says Maretha Gerber, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Daimler Truck Southern Africa.
In addition, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) and its brands, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, FUSO Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Buses, remain the largest Commercial Vehicle seller in South Africa, ranking number 1 in the Top 15, according to naamsa’s Industry New Vehicle Sales Report, December 2023.
The conflict in the Middle East has thrown global supply chains into disarray, exposing the risks of over-reliance on concentrated hubs.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The conflict in the Middle East has thrown global supply chains into disarray, exposing the risks of over-reliance on concentrated hubs.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
Nissan South Africa has agreed to sell its Rosslyn production facility after 60 years of operation. The plant, which produced models such as the 1400 ‘Champ’ bakkie, NP200 and Navara, was acquired by Chery SA. The Chinese automaker has sold over 80,000 vehicles locally since 2021 and is now strengthening its African presence.