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
With 670 exhibitors from 18 countries receiving a total of 5 631 trade visitors from 38 countries over three days, Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad 2023 Shows reaffirmed their positions as the largest shows of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
The events have proven once again that nothing beats face-to-face business engagement between suppliers and their existing and potential clients on a professionally organised business platform.
Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad 2023 were major enablers in the revival of existing and the development of new business relationships across the spectrum of the relevant industry sectors, launching new products and services with a focus on innovation in the industry.
Several successful national conferences, hosted by trade associations of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) such as TEPA (Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association), MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association, in collaboration with Right to Repair), Women in the Industry, SA Bus Operators’ Association (SABOA), Fuel Retailers’ Association (FRA) and Collision Repairers’ Association (CRA) were held during the events.
In keeping with the Automechanika culture of a ceaseless affinity for innovation in the industry, there was an expected strong focus on innovation at the Shows. Eight deserving finalists were considered for the Automechanika Johannesburg 2023 Innovation Award.
The crown went to Strategic Fulfilment Branch Mapping, developed by Motus Aftermarket Parts in partnership with Swedish-based Syncron, an innovation that will undoubtedly add immense value in the motor industry.
Looking to the future, Messe Frankfurt South Africa has confirmed that the show dates for the 2024 editions of Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad Expo will take place from 19 to 21 November 2024 at Johannesburg’s Expo Centre, Nasrec.
Whereas Futuroad is all about trucking and logistics, the product categories at Automechanika Johannesburg 2024 will reflect the incredibly wide sector spread in the automotive aftermarket, including automotive parts & components, electronics & systems, accessories & customising, tyres & batteries, car wash & care, oils & lubricants, diagnostics & repair and body & paint.
Add to this the search for true innovation through the prestigious 2024 edition of the Automechanika Innovation Awards Competition, which further enhances the winning industry formula that is Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad Expo.
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.
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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
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.