The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) has announced that the local industry’s premium networking and thought-leadership conference would be held during the South African Auto Week at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng from 26 to 29 October 2022.
Themed, Reimagining the Future Together, the SA Auto Week will bring together industry thought leaders from local, regional, continental and global business and government institutions to consolidate efforts that will drive the transition to new energy vehicles and smarter technologies.
naamsa says it hopes the conference, which will be hosted in person and online, will help guide policy discussions and move the industry towards more clarity on the future of mobility, which includes new energy vehicles.
“Public policy drives business activity in relation to new energy vehicles,” said Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa. “The world is shifting and moving very quickly in this regard. We hope to accelerate the future of the automotive industry in SA. It needs to shift and change in the next 18 months to compete with other markets.”
Mabasa confirmed that all 49 OEM members of naamsa would participate, including both passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers. The automotive industry contributes 4.3% to South Africa’s GDP (2.4% manufacturing and 1.9% retail).
“With the government having identified the automotive sector as a key sector for economic development in the country, SA Auto Week will pay attention to the latest automotive technologies and policies currently under consideration to ensure that the right decisions are made to support South Africa's recovery and economic growth ambitions,” said Mabasa.
SA Auto Week, sponsored by Absa, among others, is also endorsed by OICA, the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Mabasa said naamsa believes that the local industry will benefit from the organisation’s global insights during the event.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Many forward-thinking individuals propose that autonomous vehicles will improve road safety as problematic driver behaviour, which contributes to 90% plus crashes, will be eliminated. A recent incident may cause some to doubt this, however.
South Africa’s vehicle market has seen a steady influx of emerging brands, alongside continued expansion from established players.
Motorists travelling over the Easter period can expect heavy traffic across South Africa’s road network, with authorities warning that routes to Limpopo will come under particular pressure as thousands of pilgrims make their way to Moria.
