Covid set auto sector back by 3 years

The Covid pandemic has put South Africa’s automotive industry back by about three years in achieving the “aspirational and ambitious targets” set for the industry in the SA Automotive Masterplan 2021 to 2035.

This has resulted in the industry considering approaching the department of trade, industry and competition (dtic) for an early review of the masterplan despite the industry achieving some new export performance records in 2021.

Mzwake Mbatha, policy analyst at the dtic, asked during a briefing on the export achievements in 2021 if the industry is still on track to fulfil the 2035 targets.

Norman Lamprecht, the executive responsible for trade, exports and research at automotive business council Naamsa, said Covid has set the industry back by about three years.

“The targets under the masterplan are still official targets but one must also be realistic in terms of achievements and what can be achieved under current circumstances,” he said.

Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa said the sector was concerned about the challenges it has seen and is facing.