SA to showcase automotive leadership at African trade fair
- Industry News
- 8 September 2025
Dealer industry news from around Southern Africa
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) announced the introduction of the Toyota Hiace PWD (Persons with Disabilities) model, a people-mover that puts accessibility at the heart of mobility.
According to a Reuters report, China's automotive sector faces an unprecedented crisis beneath its outward success. Despite becoming the world's largest car exporter and producing global leaders like BYD and Geely, the industry is trapped in a destructive spiral threatening widespread bankruptcies.
South African business sentiment deteriorated further in the third quarter of 2025, falling one point to reach 39, well below the long-term benchmark of 42 points, as punitive US tariffs took their toll on exporters, Reuters reported on Wednesday
Europe's automotive industry has issued a unified call for the European Union (EU) to recalibrate its green transition strategy, with leading manufacturers and suppliers expressing growing concerns about the feasibility of current electrification timelines and regulatory frameworks.
Omoda has partnered with Switch Energy Drink to launch Switch Up Your Life, a nationwide competition offering prizes worth R20 million.
Morocco's automotive sector has received another major endorsement with Heilongjiang Tianyouwei Electronics Co's decision to invest €65 million (R1.3 billion) to establish a comprehensive manufacturing operation in the kingdom.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.
The Mahindra Fusion Fest, a combination of art, fashion and music, is returning in 2026.
More than 470 workers at Ford Motor's South African facilities will lose their jobs as the automaker slashes production capacity in response to deteriorating market conditions, the Solidarity union announced this week.
Wesbank and Toyota Financial Services will pay a R30 million administrative penalty settlement to The Competition Commission of South Africa.
The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) is cautioning South Africans against a growing financial scam involving unsolicited offers for debt relief.
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If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey