AUTOMART AFRICA - AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DIRECTORY | KENYA | TANZANIA | ETHIOPIA

As first reported by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA), new car sales have dipped 13% compared to September last year. This is a serious concern for the automotive industry as a whole, as there remains a fear that South Africans will continue to opt for used models rather than buying new ones, damaging the industry in the process. This worry is put into sharp focus by a report by SouthAfrica.info in 2010, which reads:

“The sector is one of South Africa’s most important, contributing at least 6% to the country’s GDP and accounting for almost 12% of South Africa’s manufacturing exports, making it a crucial cog in the economy. In 2010, 271 000 vehicles were exported. [As well as the] Automotive Production and Development Programme, which will be implemented from 2013, aims to stimulate the expansion of local production to 1-2 million vehicles a year by 2020 while significantly increasing local content at the same time.”

A lot may have to change for the South African automotive industry to get where it wants to be, yet the fact remains that a portion of the country’s populace are preferring to continue driving older vehicles – most likely to the chagrin of automotive companies. Furthermore, despite all manner of car parts being easy to browse and purchase online in general these days, it appears drivers of older models are neglecting the proper care and maintenance the vehicle deserves.

Lizette Erasmus, IntegriSure Head of Insurance Expertise, spoke of the pressing need for drivers to take car care seriously: “It is crucial for consumers to ensure that their cars are roadworthy at all times, as claims will be repudiated should the insurance provider finds the car was not. This is because [when a car is not roadworthy it] will most likely contribute greatly to the cause of the accident or damage.”

Posted on : 22 Nov,2024 | News Source : ABNews