NAAMSA’s quarterly review of business conditions for the South African motor vehicle manufacturing Industry, during the third quarter of 2018, as submitted to the Director-General, Department of Trade and Industry.

Industry vehicle sales, export and import statistics for 2000 through 2017, together with projections for 2018 through 2020, are reflected on the attachment to the submission.

Key features: Third Quarter 2018
  • Third quarter 2018 industry employment registered an increase in headcount of 305 jobs
  • Record aggregate investment by the major vehicle manufacturers in 2017 amounting to R8.17 billion
  • Continued recovery in capacity utilisation in all vehicle manufacturing segments
  • Domestic new vehicle sales declined, year on year, whilst export sales momentum reflects modest improvement
  • Expectations for 2018 are for no growth in domestic sales, whilst annual export sales numbers also remain below expectations
  • Medium to long term prospects for new vehicle exports and domestic production remain positive – particularly strong vehicle export sales are expected for 2019 and subsequent years