SA Auto Week, presented by naamsa, the Automotive Business Council, today saw stakeholders from across all spheres come together to discuss and plan innovative and tangible solutions that will drive progress and growth within the local automotive industry.
Hosted at Galagher Estate in Gauteng, SA Auto Week, which also forms part of the country’s Transport Month activities, is the local automotive industry’s premium networking and thought leadership conference and exhibition that runs from 11 to 13 October.
Naamsa President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa, Billy Tom, said in his welcoming address today that: “SA Auto Week is an inclusive platform that sees captains of industry from across the value chain including government, lawmakers, social partners and OEMs, come together for meaningful discussions and strategic partnerships to be formed.”
The four focus areas of naamsa include the country’s transition to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), transformation beyond compliance, energy security, as well as transport logistics and infrastructure.
“We are fighting hard to protect the future of our industry,” said Tom. “When it comes to certain aspects like policies to support the growth of the NEV segment, we are lagging other African countries like Morocco, Egypt and Kenya. That is why we, as an industry, are eagerly awaiting the announcement by the SA government in this regard on 1 November 2023.”
Tom also explained that the success of the industry lay in successful collaborations and securing high levels of investment to secure growth.
The conference was also addressed by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lusufi and the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane. Both provinces are manufacturing hubs for the local automotive industry.
“SA Auto week represents a paradigm shift. I can assure you that we want to be joint players and allow your businesses to prosper,” stated Lesufi. “We want our economy to prosper and in everything we do, create opportunities for all.”
Gauteng Province is also looking at ways to combat vehicle-related crime, including the implementation and use of advanced technology. A new vehicle licencing system is also currently being developed as a counter measure.
Both provinces have also committed to establish charging infrastructure for NEVs, as well as secure a reliable electricity supply to support the manufacturing activities of OEMs.
According to Mabuyane, one of the province’s focus areas is to attract more investment to the province.
“We are collaborating with naamsa, NAACAM and national government role players to ensure that the Eastern Cape doesn’t lose its competitive advantage,” explained Mabuyane. “We want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to compete globally and protect the industry.”
As part of the province’s drive to adapt to the changing new energy vehicle environment, the province will instal 13 battery electric vehicle charging stations by March 2024 through the assistance of the AIDC (Automotive Industry Development Centre).
For the remainder of the day, various industry stakeholders at SA Auto Week focused discussions on the country’s transition to NEVs, transport policy topics and energy security. South Africa’s Deputy President, the Hon Paul Mashatile, will address the conference on Friday and engage in round table talks with key industry role players.
Naamsa will also present its annual Accelerator Awards to the best industry performers in various categories during its gala event on Friday evening.
