THE 2017 Chevrolet Cruze – and a 1934 model.
So General Motors if finally pulling out of South Africa permanently – after more than 104 years of association with our country. Almost 600 South Africans will lose their jobs because of the disinvestment.
General Motors South Africa held a unique place in our country. Who cannot remember their jingle “Braaivleis, sunny skies and Chevrolet” of the 1080s? It seems one of the reasons GM is pulling out is that our country is no longer “sunny” in their eyes. And from 2017 the Chevrolet brand will disappear from our roads altogether.
Shisa nyama no doubt will remain with all of us, but our rugby also does not seem what it used to be – our Springboks have suffered a string of defeats and many of our most talented players have also “disinvested” and now play overseas.
It is interesting to consider the introduction of Nissan’s Leaf (see separate report) against the backdrop of the decision by General Motors (GM) to leave our shores. Although there is little doubt that political uncertainty in our country would have been a factor in the decision to leave South Africa, the fact that electric cars (EVs) are upon us was probably another important reason for the decision.
GM is also pulling out of India and East Africa following their withdrawal from Australia in 2013, Europe in 2017 and other recent plant closured in Asia.
Japan’s Isuzu Motors will be buying GM’s bakkie assembly plant in Port Elizabeth. But it will only build and sell its own products.
General Motors came to South Africa in 1913 and began importing Chevrolet cars. Manufacturing began in 1926, producing brands such as Buick, Chevrolet, GMC trucks, Olsmobile, Pontiac and Vauxhall.
General Motors also owns the Opel brand. These cars will still be available, probably in the same stable as French brands Peugeot and Citroen.
Braaivleis, sunny skies and Chevrolet of the 1080s? It seems one...