Automotive and Mobility - Brand South Africa

Automotive and advanced Mobility

This isn’t just assembly. It’s full-cycle automotive manufacturing

South Africa produces 600,000+ vehicles annually—more than any other country in Africa—and exports R200+ billion in vehicles and components to the EU, UK, USA, Japan, and Australia.

With the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) offering production incentives, R&D tax breaks, and export support, South Africa is positioning for the global shift to electric and autonomous vehicles.

This isn’t just assembly. It’s full-cycle automotive manufacturing: design, engineering, tooling, components, and export logistics—anchored by decades of technical expertise and trade agreements with major automotive markets.

Automotive and advanced Mobility

Success Stories

Major OEMs—BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan—operate assembly plants here. And the supply chain runs deep: 50+ Tier 1 suppliers, 200+ component manufacturers, and a growing EV and battery ecosystem.

R4.2B Rosslyn Plant Expansion (EV Future)

R4.2B investment

EV-ready plant

20,000 annual output

BMW – R4.2B Rosslyn Plant Expansion (EV Future)

BMW has invested R4.2 billion in its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria to gear up for next-generation models, including electrified vehicles for export. Already producing the X3 for global markets, Rosslyn’s upgrade secures South Africa’s place in BMW’s EV strategy. The expansion boosts plant capacity to over 20,000 vehicles annually for export to Europe, the U.S., and Asia, ensuring South Africa plays a role in the EV supply chain.

BMW SA statements 2022–2024 | Engineering News, 2023

Corolla Cross Hybrid – First in Africa

R2.4B investment

First SA hybrid

575 new jobs

Toyota – Corolla Cross Hybrid (First in Africa)

Toyota invested R2.4 billion in 2021 at its Prospecton Plant in Durban to produce the Corolla Cross Hybrid — South Africa’s first locally manufactured hybrid vehicle. The project created 575 new jobs and safeguarded 1,200 existing positions, making Durban a continental pioneer in green automotive production. The investment aligns South Africa with global trends toward electrification, enhancing its role in the just energy transition.

Toyota SA announcement, October 2021 | Business Day 2022

Volkswagen – Kariega Polo Global Hub

R3.4B upgrades

50,000 supported jobs

75% exports

Volkswagen – Kariega Polo Global Hub

Volkswagen operates Africa’s largest passenger car plant in Kariega (Eastern Cape), employing over 4,000 people directly and supporting 50,000 jobs across the wider economy. Continuous investment — including a R3.4 billion upgrade between 2015 and 2020 — has entrenched Kariega as the global hub for Polo production. Today, 75% of its output is exported, mostly to Europe and Asia, underlining South Africa’s integration into global value chains.

Volkswagen Group SA reports 2020–2023 | Engineering News, 2021.

R16 Billion Silverton Expansion

R16B (US$1B) investment

1,200 new jobs

10,000 indirect new jobs

⁠Exports to 100+ markets worldwide

Ford – R16 Billion Silverton Expansion

Ford Motor Company invested R16 billion (approx. US$1 billion) to modernise and expand its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. The facility now produces the next-generation Ranger pickup and Everest SUV for global export markets. The project created over 1,200 direct jobs and supports an estimated 10,000 indirect jobs in the supply chain. With vehicles shipped to more than 100 countries, South Africa is firmly established as a global production hub for Ford.

DTIC press release, February 2021 | Ford SA media statement 2022.

Automotive and advanced Mobility

What the world says

From investors to industry leaders, each testimony offers an outside view of the country’s reform momentum, economic resilience, and growing global influence. Together, they reveal how South Africa is shaping — and being shaped by — the future of investment, innovation, and partnership.

PwC Strategy& — SA Outlook (Jan 2025)

“South Africa’s macroeconomic outlook at the start of 2025 is notably better… much more to be positive about than 12 months ago.”

Context / Impact:
PwC cites lower inflation, easing interest rates, and improved sentiment following the GNU. Forecasts GDP growth of 0.5–1.3%.

Why it matters for investors:
Confirms improving cycle—supportive rates and sentiment reduce hurdle rates for projects.

Source: PwC South Africa Economic Outlook 2025

IMF — Article IV Consultation (Jan 2025)

“Directors welcomed South Africa’s new Government of National Unity… The fresh mandate offers an historic opportunity to pursue ambitious reforms.”

Context / Impact:
The IMF projects GDP growth to accelerate to 1.5% in 2025 (from 0.9% in 2024), supported by stabilised electricity supply, reform momentum, and improving confidence.

Why it matters for investors:
Signals macro stability and a reform runway—improving risk-adjusted returns and policy predictability.

Source: IMF Article IV Summary 2025

Automotive and advanced Mobility