Automotive 2015: A review of South Africa's automotive industry

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa is relatively optimistic regarding new-vehicle sales in 2015. The association noted in March 2015 that it expected new-vehicle sales in South Africa to register marginal growth for the year. This expectation is largely based on projections of a slight improvement in South Africa’s economic growth rate to about 2%, relative stability in automotive sector industrial relations and moderating consumer price inflation, as well as steady interest rates and credit ratings. These positive factors, however, could be offset by higher-than-inflation new-vehicle price increases, as a result of the weakness in the rand against major international currencies. The market could also be affected by shifts in lending patterns. Creamer Media’s Automotive 2015 Report provides an overview of South Africa’s automotive industry over the past 12 months. The report provides insight into production, local demand, vehicle imports and exports, sector support programmes, investment and competitiveness in the sector, environmental considerations and the major original-equipment manufacturers in South Africa.