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.