The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) has appointed a new Project Manager.
Cabral Ngubane (photo) assumed the position on 1 July 2025. He will be based at the AAAM Johannesburg office, the role will focus on expanding manufacturing of components for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assembly and the aftermarket on the continent.
"We are delighted to welcome Cabral to the AAAM team and congratulate him on his appointment. His role will be instrumental in unlocking growth opportunities for component manufacturing and trade both regionally and across the African continent," says Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of AAAM. "This will support the development of competitive automotive value chains, serving both OEM assembly and the replacement parts sector."
Victoria adds that the expansion of the AAAM team reflects its commitment to facilitating complementary vehicle and component manufacturing across Africa, in alignment with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
"Component manufacturing is a critical pillar of the automotive value chain. We aim to foster stronger partnerships between existing OEM suppliers and new entrants from across the AfCFTA region seeking access to both OEM and aftermarket supply chains."
She further highlighted that close collaboration with industry associations, business chambers, government bodies, regulatory authorities, and AAAM members and donors will be central to the success of this role.
Cabral previously served as Director and Engineer at AziB Manufacturing Technologies. He has also held senior roles including Production Manager at L&J Tools and Engineering Works, and Quality and Productivity Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
AAAM has a presence across the continent, with offices in Ghana supporting West Africa, Tunisia focusing on growth in North Africa, and South Africa overseeing initiatives in East and Southern Africa.
More AAAM news:
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
