Major global growth for SA vehicle exports but Africa slumps

While exports of locally built vehicles to global markets have seen strong growth for the first half of this year, exports out of South Africa to other African countries fell by 18% in the first half of this year to 25 512 units from 31 130 units last year.
National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa) director, Nico Vermeulen, said in a statement that exports in Africa had been hit by technical regulatory changes, particularly in Algeria, and import duty and levy increases in Nigeria.

However, the slump in vehicle exports to African markets was offset by significant increases to other markets.

The latest quarterly review of business conditions in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry for the second quarter revealed that vehicle exports to South America increased significantly in the first half of this year to 2 998 units from 103 units last year, to Australia by 190.5% to 15 784 units, to Europe by 96% to 82 454 units, to Asia by almost 27% t to 14 173 units and to North America by 6% to 28 018 units.

Vermeulen said export sales had still held up well despite an uncertain global outlook and downward revisions in global growth forecasts.
Vehicle exports in the first six months of this year increased by more than 45% from the corresponding period last year to 168 940 units.

Naamsa has forecast a 20% growth in vehicle exports this year to a record of about 330 000 units.