Export strategies likely to be feature of updated auto support programme

Given the poor outlook for growth in sub-Saharan Africa since the sharp decline in oil and commodity prices, “it would be reasonable to conclude” that any government support programme for the South African automotive industry requires a “sustainable export strategy”, says Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) CEO Arno van der Merwe. The framework for the support programme to replace the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) in 2021 should be announced by the end of this year.