Automotive industry defies global challenges in April

THE automotive industry in South Africa demonstrated resilience in April and increased new vehicle sales for the month by 11.9% in spite of the global economic landscape continuing to shift under escalating uncertainty.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) on Friday said the aggregate domestic new vehicle sales reached 42 401 units, up from the previous year's figure of 37 899 units.

This surge reflected the industry's structural depth, export capabilities, and ability to pivot within a shifting global economy even as external headwinds strengthened.

Even though export sales decreased by 2 266 units, or 6.6%, to 31 822 units in April compared to the 34 088 vehicles a year ago, vehicle exports for the year to date were still 6.3% ahead of the same period last year.

Naamsa CEO, Mikel Mabasa, said the automotive sector found itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts.

“While the new US tariff measures are concerning, the resilience and competitiveness of the South African automotive exports remain steadfast. Our industry has navigated difficult global tides before, and we will compellingly do so again,” Mabasa said.