Funky wheels: China’s big drive in South Africa
No, the Chinese are not coming to take over – they are already busy accomplishing it.
- Industry News
- 4 May 2026
Despite potential headwinds, South Africa’s automotive industry remains committed to long-term growth and resilience.
As the Automotive Business Council (naamsa) celebrates its 90th anniversary, this milestone highlights the industry’s remarkable adaptability. The pace of change in the next decade is expected to surpass anything witnessed in the past nine decades, driven by economic shifts, rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer trends.
The post-pandemic recovery in vehicle sales affirms the sector’s ability to weather economic cycles, with agility playing a key role in sustaining future growth, naamsa says during its comment on the March new-vehicle sales figures that were just released and show some positive trends.
Reinforcing its commitment to industry transformation and strategic collaboration, naamsa announced that the 2025 SA Auto Week [SAAW] would be hosted in the Eastern Cape from 1 to 3 October 2025 under the theme, “Reimagining the Future, TOGETHER: Cultivating Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity”.
SAAW 2025 aims to mobilise new investments into the auto sector, fostering growth and reindustrialising South Africa’s manufacturing base.
As South Africa’s premier automotive conference, SAAW 2025 will convene key stakeholders – including auto professionals, global vehicle OEMs, component manufacturers, regulators, policymakers, investors, business and political leaders, as well as decision-makers from around the world – to drive innovation, strengthen global partnerships and shape the future of the industry in an evolving economic landscape, naamsa states.
No, the Chinese are not coming to take over – they are already busy accomplishing it.
Motorists and households already under pressure will have to dig deeper into their pockets yet again from Wednesday, with sharp fuel and energy price hikes taking effect across South Africa.
Marcia Mayaba, Commercial Director at Dunlop Tyres South Africa, has been recognised as the top achiever at the recently held Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.