AAAM 2025: Great Milestones in Africa's Automotive Industry

The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is closing 2025 on a high note, pointing to major strides in policy, capacity building, and regional integration as catalysts for the continent's automotive industrialisation.

The year saw a leadership transition, with the appointment of Victoria Backhaus-Jerling as the new CEO in March, committing to building on the strong foundation laid by former CEO Dave Coffey, steering the organisation towards what it terms "inclusive and strategic industry leadership."

Victoria Backhaus-Jerling

A significant operational move was the establishment of a dedicated North Africa office in Tunisia. This expansion is designed to bolster the association's footprint and directly support regional value chain development across the continent. Further strengthening its focus, AAAM also onboarded a dedicated project manager to drive the expansion of component manufacturing for both OEM assembly and the thriving aftermarket.

The association highlights a pivotal breakthrough for the sector: the conclusion of negotiations on the automotive Rules of Origin under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This long-awaited agreement provides critical clarity for manufacturers and investors, forming the legal bedrock for integrated regional value chains and increased intra-African trade. With adoption targeted for February 2026, AAAM has pledged its support to member states and institutions to ensure effective implementation.

Intra Africa Trade Fair in Aligiers

Building on this policy milestone, AAAM, in partnership with Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat, launched an Industrial Policy Executive Short Course. The programme brought together senior policymakers to enhance capabilities in industrial policy design, localisation, and value chain development—a move AAAM believes is essential for creating sustainable automotive ecosystems.

The association also maintained its high-profile advocacy role, convening the Africa Automotive Forum at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025). The event served as a key platform, sparking dialogue among policymakers, manufacturers, and financiers on affordable mobility, competitive value chains, and the power of intra-African trade to achieve scale.

"Our engagements across North, East, West, and Southern Africa, as well as key international markets, have reinforced the unique dynamics of each region," says Backhaus-Jerling. "Our expanded footprint and strengthened partnerships are geared towards supporting the financing and policy frameworks needed to turn industrial ambition into reality."

As the association looks to 2026, the focus shifts firmly to implementation. With the foundational policies now taking shape, AAAM states its mission is to drive deeper collaboration and build resilient, inclusive automotive value chains across the African continent.

https://bit.ly/3MAnUDn

Hino Motors Unveils Future Transport Solutions at Japan Mobility Show

Japanese truck manufacturer Hino Motors showcased its vision for future transport at the recent Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, highlighting both advanced mobility solutions and its enduring commitment to the Dakar Rally.

A centrepiece of the Hino exhibit was the production version of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hino 700 freighter. Designed to support carbon neutrality, this heavy-duty truck incorporates advanced safety technologies enabling Level 4 autonomous driving on expressways. The company said improvements to its radar system, along with new camera mountings and LIDAR sensors, aim to support its goal of reducing traffic casualties.

Also on display was a customised version of the Hino Dutro Z EV battery-electric vehicle, currently being shown at events in South Africa. The Tokyo exhibit featured a mobile office configuration, utilising the vehicle’s low cargo floor to create a walk-through, spacious interior. Hino suggests such derivatives could serve as on-site control rooms for managing outdoor events or disaster response.

In a separate motorsport endeavour, Hino will be the sole Asian truck manufacturer contesting the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, marking its 35th consecutive entry. The event, running from January 3, will see a single Hino 600 Series racing truck compete against 46 other trucks from European manufacturers, including Iveco, MAN and Tatra. The Russian Kamaz team, a former dominant force, has not participated since 2023.

The 2026 route will form an 8 000 km loop starting and finishing in Yanbu, featuring 5 000 km of timed sections and a rest day in Riyadh on January 10. Team Hino Sugawara will be led by driver Teruhito Sugawara, who has completed the rally 20 times consecutively. He will be joined by navigator Somemiya Hirokazu and technician Mochizuki Yuji.

https://bit.ly/4pHY4eM

Morocco vs South Africa: The Future of the Automotive Industry

A strategic shift is unfolding across the African automotive landscape, defined not by a single event but by a confluence of ambitions in boardrooms from Casablanca to Johannesburg. The recent, quiet establishment of Tesla’s commercial presence in Morocco, signaled by the recruitment of a Country Sales & Delivery Leader in Casablanca, represents more than a new showroom; it is a calculated entry into a market being deliberately engineered as an electric vehicle hub.

This move coincides with a parallel gravitational pull from Chinese automotive manufacturers toward South Africa’s established industrial base, setting the stage for a continental transformation driven by competing visions of the future.

BAIC factory in South Africa's Eastern Cape

Morocco’s ascent is not accidental. While its overall vehicle production of 559 645 units in 2024 trails South Africa’s historical output, its trajectory and focus are distinct. The kingdom is poised to manufacture between 40 000 and 50 000 fully electric vehicles in 2024, a figure that underscores a targeted industrial policy.

This output is particularly significant given that South Africa has yet to produce a single fully electric vehicle domestically. Morocco’s 5% year-on-year production increase is built upon foundational advantages: geographic proximity to European markets and a charging infrastructure network of approximately 1 000 stations, dwarfing South Africa’s estimated 400-500.

Government policy has been instrumental in creating a fertile environment. Exemptions from value-added tax and customs duties on EV imports have lowered financial barriers for consumers and manufacturers alike. The market response is quantifiable, with EV sales reaching 1 125 units in 2024 and projected to surge to 4 248 in 2025.

Toyota's Prospecton factory near Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

This policy framework, designed to position Morocco as a central hub for EV manufacturing and sales, is what makes Tesla’s entry a strategic beachhead. The American automaker’s presence is widely interpreted as a move to capitalize on this surging demand and the country’s export-oriented logistics, potentially encouraging other EV-focused brands to consider North Africa.

“The country offers a mature industrial ecosystem, a skilled and experienced workforce, and a supply chain that has been tested and proven over decades,” says Lydia Zhang, Executive Vice President for Client Coverage in Corporate Investment Banking at Standard Bank, quoted recently in FANews. Zhang notes  South Africa’s role as a gateway to a continent with low motorisation rates presents a compelling investment rationale.

Yet, South Africa’s path is markedly different. Its automotive sector, a cornerstone of manufacturing for decades, finds itself at a crossroads. The rise of Chinese brands like Chery, GWM, BYD and BAIC has reshaped the domestic market, moving them from fringe players to household names based on affordability and improving quality.

This commercial success is now prompting deeper consideration. Several leading Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have launched feasibility studies into establishing local assembly plants in South Africa, attracted by the existing supplier base and potential for continental growth.

This interest emerges as traditional manufacturers reassess their South African operations. The potential vacuum creates an opportunity, but one fraught with the nation’s well-documented challenges. “Infrastructure constraints, including energy supply and logistics, continue to be monitored,” Zhang observes, adding investors seek clarity on tariffs, labour laws and long-term policy.

The policy environment itself is a subject of intense debate. Experts argue South Africa’s automotive tax structure inadvertently undermines its own industrial ambitions.

Ford Ranger assembly in the modern plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria

“Our vehicles are overtaxed,” says Professor Justin Barnes, Executive Director of the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies. He highlights an “inverted market structure” where ad valorem taxes are disproportionately high for cheaper vehicles, stifling domestic demand. Furthermore, the duty differential between imported completely built-up (CBU) units and locally assembled completely knocked-down (CKD) kits is considered too narrow, disadvantaging local component manufacturers who effectively compete against near-zero import duties.

South Africa’s Automotive Masterplan 2035 envisions producing 1,4-million vehicles annually, with half for the domestic and regional African market. Currently, the structure is inverted; the country imports more vehicles than it manufactures for local consumption. “We need a robust domestic market and need to make the regional market our operating environment,” Barnes argues. Failure to do so, he contends, leaves South African producers vulnerable to the demanding and rapidly shifting requirements of distant developed export markets, particularly as they transition to new-energy vehicles (NEVs).

This NEV transition is where the contrast with Morocco becomes stark. South Africa’s high import tariffs and limited purchase incentives have resulted in a negligible EV market. The finalization of a revised Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) framework to incentivize NEV production is seen as crucial. Such a policy could unlock a strategic advantage: South Africa’s duty-free trade access to Europe. This access could position the country as a manufacturing and export base for Chinese OEMs keen to produce NEVs for the European market.

“While we would expect Chinese OEMs to begin with semi-knocked down or limited-scale assembly, it is important that this evolves into full-scale CKD production within a defined timeframe,” says Lydia Zhang. “We see this progression as critical for job creation and meaningful local industry participation.”

The emerging picture is of a continent with two powerful, divergent automotive narratives. In the north, Morocco is leveraging agile policy, geographic advantage, and infrastructure investment to build a new, EV-centric manufacturing ecosystem from the ground up, attracting global pioneers like Tesla. In the south, South Africa’s established industrial complex, while grappling with internal policy contradictions and infrastructure woes, presents a compelling case for large-scale, traditional manufacturing investment, increasingly attractive to Chinese brands seeking scale and continental access.

The outcome will hinge on execution. Morocco must convert its potential into sustained industrial depth. South Africa must align its tax and trade policies with its masterplan ambitions to unlock regional demand and attract transformative investment. Together, these parallel developments signal that the African automotive industry is no longer on the periphery of global trends but is becoming a complex and contested arena where its future footprint is now being forged.

https://bit.ly/3XZdwHv

Isuzu MVR Bus Chassis: The Ultimate in Passenger Comfort

Prioritising passenger comfort, the newly launched Isuzu MVR bus chassis features a soft ride bus suspension, delivering a smoother ride while maintaining optimal safety, handling, and stability compared to truck-based bus chassis used by many competitors.

The important consideration here is the chassis is equipped with multi-leaf springs, shock absorbers and stabiliser bars in the front and the rear.

The MVR chassis has a 6 050 mm wheelbase, making it ideal for commuter applications. Its extended front overhang allows for the installation of a standard size passenger entry door, ahead of the left front wheel. This allows for easy passenger entry complemented by the Marcopolo Torino body that is fitted.

The MVR chassis has an overall length of 11 594 mm and a width of 2 367 mm. This equates to 12 600 mm and 2 600 mm respectively with the bus body installed.

The MVR chassis is powered by Isuzu’s trusted 7,79-litre inline six-cylinder 6HK1-TCS diesel engine, delivering 221 kW (300 PS) of power at 2 400 r/min and 980 Nm of torque from 1 450 r/min. It is paired with an Eaton 6-speed manual transmission.

Air Foundation Brakes

Its braking system comprises full air foundation brakes, an exhaust brake, and a magnetic retarder mounted to the rear of the transmission, enhancing both braking performance and longevity.

Designed with a higher profile relative to comparable truck-based bus chassis’, the MVR offers superior approach and departure angles, enabling effective operation in urban and rural environments. The engine is positioned further forward and lower, increasing floor space and providing comfortable seating for up to 66 passengers, 7 standing passengers, and the driver.

The vehicle utilises 315/70R22.5 tyres with 9-inch wheels, favouring contemporary industry preferences over the traditional 11R22,5 tyres with 8,25-inch wheels.

Long-distance Journeys

A 400-litre fuel tank supports long-distance journeys, with noted fuel efficiency across operations. Additional standard features include LED headlamps and tail lamps as part of the Marcopolo Torino body. Standard safety features include automatic headlights-on and an anti-lock braking system.

Passenger amenities such as air-conditioning, USB charging ports, and a sound system are available as optional operator configurations.

Iemraan Brown (Senior Manager: Planning & Program) says:

“The introduction of the new Isuzu MVR bus chassis represents a significant advancement compared to previous Isuzu bus models and current competitor offerings, as it is engineered specifically as a dedicated commuter bus chassis. In contrast, many competitors continue to use truck-based platforms, which typically involve rigid suspensions, truck transmissions, and require substantial chassis modifications.

"Each aspect of the Isuzu MVR chassis—including wheelbase, overhangs, suspension systems, engine placement, transmission with retarder, driver position, braking system, fuel tank capacity, auxiliary air tanks, electrical components, exhaust configuration, and tyre specifications—has been meticulously optimised for bus applications. This comprehensive approach maximises passenger capacity and comfort, providing ample legroom.

Urban and Rural

"An increased chassis height offers enhanced approach and departure angles, making the MVR chassis suitable for both urban and rural environments.

"The gearing is carefully calibrated to deliver superior fuel efficiency in both stop-start city driving and open road driving conditions.

"Furthermore, the power and torque outputs surpass those of comparable competitors.

"In summary, the Isuzu MVR bus chassis is a robust solution requiring minimal modification during bus body installation.”

https://bit.ly/43RIsNp

Tip Top Milk Expands Fleet with 21 New Mercedes-Benz Trucks

Boosting its national logistics operations, Tip Top Milk has rolled out 21 new Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645 trucks, a move that solidifies a 15-year partnership and underscores the dairy giant's relentless growth. This latest investment brings its total fleet of the German marque to an impressive 155 vehicles, all dedicated to the crucial task of transporting fresh milk from farm to processing plants across South Africa.

The company's journey is a classic South African success story. It was founded in 2010 by the late Beyers de Bruin with little more than steadfast faith, a single Dyna 3500 milk tanker and a mission to assist farmers burdened with milk surpluses. Today, that vision has blossomed into a major enterprise operating from three depots nationwide. Tip Top Milk now employs around 200 people and is responsible for sourcing, collecting and moving a staggering 36-million litres of quality milk every month.

According to David de Jager, Chief Executive Officer at Tip Top Milk, this remarkable expansion has never come at the cost of the company's core values. "Our business is, and always has been, built around people—our customers and our employees. We pride ourselves on doing what is right and being honest in everything we do."

Relationship

This people-centric philosophy extends to their choice of equipment. The relationship with Mercedes-Benz Trucks began at the very start, when the fledgling company needed a partner that believed in its potential. "Back in 2010, Mercedes-Benz Trucks was the only brand willing to take a chance on us," de Jager recalls. "That’s where Beyers’ love for the brand started."

That initial trust has been fortified over the years through a close working relationship with Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Motus Daimler Trucks Airport. De Jager is quick to praise the support from Ruan Pienaar and his team. "Their support is unwavering, and they never make excuses. It’s a pleasure doing business with them," he adds.

In the high-stakes world of perishable goods transport, reliability is non-negotiable. Tip Top Milk has found this in the durability of their Mercedes-Benz trucks, particularly their powertrains. The fleet even includes a vehicle that has clocked over a million kilometres. "But no matter how reliable a truck is, repairs will eventually be needed," de Jager notes. "That’s where Mercedes-Benz Trucks truly stand out—the availability of parts makes all the difference and keeps our business moving."

Dealer Network

This commitment to uptime is backed by an extensive dealer network that provides Tip Top Milk with critical peace of mind. De Jager points out that on one of their major routes alone, there are at least two dealerships ready to assist. He shares a recent incident that highlights this exceptional service: "We contacted Motus Daimler Trucks Airport on a Saturday afternoon with an urgent need to replace a truck after an accident. By Tuesday, the new truck was delivered. That level of responsiveness is a testament to their commitment."

To further optimise operations, Tip Top Milk utilises the Fleetboard vehicle management system. This technology is integral to their drive for fuel efficiency and enhanced driver performance. The company has built a driver bonus structure around the data provided by Fleetboard, leading to tangible results. Through targeted training and data-driven feedback, the average driver performance score has climbed from 8,9 in 2014 to 9,4 today, delivering significant savings on fuel and maintenance.

For de Jager, the decision to stick with the brand goes beyond specs and service. "Mercedes-Benz Trucks are not only the most aesthetically pleasing on the road, they offer a host of features that support our operations," he says. "But the most important factor is our people. Our drivers spend countless hours behind the wheel, and their comfort directly affects their performance and well-being. That’s why we choose Mercedes-Benz Trucks: they deliver unmatched comfort, helping us take care of the people who keep our business moving."

Vision

Reflecting on the enduring partnership, Olaf Petersen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa, said, "Fifteen years ago, we saw their vision and potential, and today we’re proud to be one of the leading brands behind their business. We sincerely thank David and the entire Tip Top Milk team for their loyalty. Their continued trust inspires us to support their business as it grows from strength to strength."

As Tip Top Milk celebrates a decade and a half of operation, the arrival of the 21 new trucks is more than a simple fleet refresh; it is a powerful reaffirmation of a partnership built on a foundation of mutual trust, proven performance, and a shared commitment to keeping South Africa's dairy industry flowing.

https://bit.ly/4oe2d93

The New North African Nexus: How Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco are Vying for Automotive Supremacy

Something big is happening in North Africa, and it’s not what most people expect. The region’s old image—one of aid packages and political uncertainty—is fading fast. These days, it’s the roar of engines and the hum of factory floors driving the story.

While South Africa continues to dither in uncertainty, the automotive industry is taking center stage, pulling in massive investment and turning the area into a fierce battleground for the future of mobility. Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco are now competing for a spot at the top, each trying to outdo the other – and South Africa – in this billion-Rand race.

Image: Supplied

Tunisia’s latest play is grabbing headlines. After a high-profile visit from Li Shijie—a senior figure in the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference—Tunisia’s Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) announced a real milestone: 22 Chinese companies are now operating in the country. That’s over R2-billion in foreign direct investment and roughly 1 100 new jobs on the ground.

Sleeves Rolled Up

But it’s not just about handshakes and speeches. At the meeting, FIPA’s Director General Jalel Tebib and Li Shijie rolled up their sleeves and got specific. They’re laser-focused on channeling Chinese investment into Tunisia’s sweet spots: automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, and tourism.

Tebib talked up Tunisia’s open-door policy and business-friendly climate, while Li pointed out the country’s skilled, affordable workforce, its prime location as a gateway to Europe and Africa, and the attractive trade deals that come with it. Both sides are betting big on their partnership, tying it all together with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Zoom in to the ground level and you’ll find the real pulse of this industrial shift: local innovators. Enter Bako Motors, a Tunisian startup that’s betting everything on solar-powered vehicles. Instead of following the crowd, Bako is using Africa’s most abundant resource—sunshine—to power their EVs.

Africa’s electric vehicle market is exploding, expected to top R76-billion by 2030. But there’s a catch: most EVs still rely on patchy power grids, which don’t always play nice. Bako Motors spotted a gap. Their solution? Compact cars and cargo vans with solar panels built right into the roof.

Image: Supplied

“Our solar cells cover more than half our energy needs,” says Boubaker Siala, Bako’s founder and CEO. “Look at our B-Van, designed for commercial deliveries—you get free energy for about 50 kilometers a day, which adds up to 17 000 kilometers a year. For businesses watching every Rand, that’s a game-changer.”

Three Wheels

Bako kicked off in 2021 with three-wheeled cargo vehicles, but they’ve quickly leveled up. Now, their four-wheeled B-Van hauls up to 400 kg and delivers a range between 100 km and 300 km. It’s priced from R1,6-million, aimed squarely at logistics and last-mile delivery companies. Their other model, the Bee, is a pint-sized two-seater perfect for city errands, starting at R1,2-million.

Sure, production is still modest—around 100 vehicles—but they’re thinking big. A third model is already on the drawing board, and the team’s gearing up for an export push, hoping their solar-powered EVs will carve out a niche across Africa.

Of course, Tunisia isn’t the only player in the game. Egypt and Morocco, the region’s heavyweights, are ramping up their own efforts with massive investments.

In Egypt, the government’s pulling out all the stops. At a recent ceremony in West Cairo Deputy Prime Minister Kamel Al-Wazir laid the foundation for the new MAC for Mobility Manufacturing Plant, bankrolled by the powerhouse Mansour Automotive Group. Think big—over R2,7-billion in initial investment. The goal? Produce 50 000 eco-friendly vehicles in the first phase alone.

Mansour Group’s chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour, says the plant will bring in cutting-edge technology and create between 6 000 and 10 000 jobs. This is the start of Egypt’s Automotive Industry Development Strategy, aiming for a homegrown, fully integrated automotive sector. By 2032, they’re targeting annual production of 100 000 vehicles per major manufacturer, including 7 000 EVs, and want at least 35% of every car to be locally sourced.

Image: Supplied

“This factory is the seed of a future automotive city,” Al-Wazir said, framing it as the heart of Egypt’s plan to become a regional manufacturing hub for Africa and the Middle East.

Ramping Up

Not to be outflanked, Morocco continues its relentless ascent. The kingdom is already producing over a million vehicles annually and has plans to ramp this up to 2-million. The latest evidence of its momentum is the opening of a new R300-million factory in the Oujda Technopole by Austria’s Hirschmann Automotive.

The new 22 200-square-metre facility, set to create 600 new jobs, complements the company’s existing plant in Kenitra and underscores the country’s deep integration into global automotive supply chains.

During the inauguration, Khatib El Hebil, the Wali of the Oriental region, captured the sentiment, noting, “Oujda, a city of history and culture, is gradually transforming into a true hub for industrial, logistical, and technological development.”

The Road Ahead

The North African automotive landscape is now a tripartite race. Morocco is the established, export-oriented leader. Egypt is the massive domestic market leveraging its scale and government backing to force a dramatic localisation drive. And Tunisia is the agile newcomer, betting on niche innovation and strategic partnerships to carve out its own space.

For global investors and automotive giants, this competition is a boon, creating multiple, compelling options for manufacturing and assembly. For the continent, it signals the emergence of a sophisticated industrial corridor capable of not just assembling, but designing and engineering the vehicles for Africa’s future. The race for North African automotive supremacy is on, and the finish line is a multi-billion Rand prize.

https://bit.ly/49HXvg9

Boosting South Africa's Auto Industry Through Local Beneficiation

For decades, South Africa’s automotive industry has been a cornerstone of the local manufacturing sector, a testament to our industrial capability. From the bustling assembly lines in Kariega and Rosslyn to the state-of-the-art plant in East London, we build world-class vehicles. Yet, beneath the hum of this R500-billion-a-year industry lies a profound paradox: we are a mineral-rich nation exporting the very raw ingredients that could see us not just assemble but truly create the cars of the future.

The global automotive industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century, pivoting towards electric vehicles (EVs), lightweighting for efficiency and smart, connected technologies. This shift is not just about engines and software; it is a fundamental change in the materials that go into a car. For South Africa, this presents a generational opportunity to move up the value chain. The key lies in local beneficiation—the process of transforming mined ore into a higher-value product.

Here are the five most critical raw materials that, if beneficiated locally, would provide an unparalleled boost to the South African auto industry, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and securing our place in the global value chain.

1. Platinum Group Metals (PGMs): The Crown Jewels of Catalysis and Hydrogen

Image: Implats

The Raw Material: South Africa sits on roughly 80% of the world’s known platinum group metal reserves. These include platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Current State: We are the world’s leading miner of PGMs, but the vast majority is exported as refined metal or concentrate. We capture the mining risk and volatility but miss out on the immense value of specialised industrial and chemical applications.

The Beneficiation Opportunity: The narrative around PGMs is evolving. While their use in catalytic converters for internal combustion engines remains crucial, their role in the hydrogen economy is transformative.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): FCEVs use hydrogen to generate electricity, with water as the only emission. The heart of a FCEV is its fuel cell, which requires significant amounts of platinum as a catalyst. Local beneficiation could see us move from exporting platinum bars to manufacturing catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) or even entire fuel cell stacks.

·           Green Hydrogen Production: The other side of the hydrogen coin is production. Platinum is also a critical catalyst in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, which produce green hydrogen using renewable energy.

The Impact: By establishing local facilities to manufacture fuel cell components and electrolysers, South Africa would not only supply the global auto industry but also catalyse its own domestic hydrogen economy. This creates a symbiotic ecosystem: local platinum enables cheaper green hydrogen, which powers local FCEVs and heavy transport, creating a circular and globally competitive advantage.

2. Aluminium: The Backbone of Lightweighting

Image: South32

The Raw Material: South Africa has a well-established aluminium industry, centred around smelters like Hillside in Richards Bay, which rely on imported alumina. However, we have vast reserves of bauxite and kaolin, the primary aluminium ores, which are largely unexploited for metal production.

The Beneficiation Opportunity: Every kilogram saved in a vehicle's weight translates directly into better fuel efficiency or longer battery range in an EV. Aluminium is the second most used material in vehicles after steel.

Primary and Secondary Smelting: Investing in energy security to make primary smelting more viable, and aggressively expanding the recycling of automotive scrap aluminium, would create a stable, low-cost local supply.

Advanced Alloy Production: Cars do not use generic aluminium; they require specific, high-performance alloys for body panels, chassis components, and battery enclosures. Local beneficiation means establishing plants that can produce these specialised automotive-grade aluminium sheets and extrusions.

The Impact: A reliable, cost-effective source of high-quality automotive aluminium would be a powerful magnet for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). It would lower the cost of production for local assemblers and make South Africa an attractive hub for manufacturing lightweight vehicle components for export, particularly for the EV market.

3. Manganese: Hardening the Steel of Our Ambition

Image: Implats

The Raw Material: South Africa holds over 70% of the world’s manganese resources, a metal indispensable to modern steelmaking.

Current State: We are the world’s largest producer and exporter of manganese ore, but we export most of it with minimal beneficiation. The real value is in adding it to steel.

The Beneficiation Opportunity: Manganese is a key alloying element that adds strength and wear-resistance to steel. Over 50% of a modern car's weight is still high-strength steel.

Ferromanganese Production: The first critical step is to expand our existing capacity to produce ferromanganese (a key intermediate product). The real prize, however, lies beyond.

Automotive Steel Production: The goal is to channel our local manganese into the production of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) and ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) at local mills like ArcelorMittal South Africa. These specialised steels are essential for making passenger safety cages and components that are both lighter and stronger.

The Impact: Creating a fully integrated pipeline from our manganese mines to local AHSS production would decouple our auto industry from volatile global steel prices and supply chain disruptions. It would provide a unique, raw material-based competitive edge for both our vehicle manufacturers and our component suppliers.

4. Iron Ore: The Foundational Metal, Reforged

Image: Arcelor Mittal

The Raw Material: We are a major global producer of high-quality iron ore from the Sishen mine and others in the Northern Cape.

At present, although ArcelorMittal uses some of this ore domestically, a sizeable portion is shipped overseas. The local steel industry has faced well-documented challenges, from energy costs to global competition.

The Beneficiation Opportunity: The opportunity with iron ore is not just about making more steel but making smarter steel specifically for the automotive sector. This goes together with manganese beneficiation.

Direct Reduced Iron (DRI): As the world moves towards greener steelmaking, DRI technology using green hydrogen (itself enabled by local PGMs) presents a path to produce "green steel" with a significantly lower carbon footprint.

Specialised Automotive Castings: Beyond sheet steel, local foundries can use high-purity iron to produce sophisticated engine blocks, brake components and other critical castings, moving beyond basic parts to high-value, precision items.

The Impact: A revitalised, competitive, and increasingly green local steel industry is non-negotiable for a resilient auto sector. It provides the foundational material security without which the industry cannot confidently plan for long-term growth and export-led expansion.

5. Vanadium: Powering the Electric Revolution

Plugged in chargers into two electric cars at charge station

The Raw Material: South Africa is one of the world's top three vanadium producers, with massive reserves housed in the Bushveld Igneous Complex.

Current State: Almost all our vanadium moves overseas as ferrovanadium or vanadium pentoxide, primarily for strengthening steel abroad.

The Beneficiation Opportunity: Vanadium’s star is rising because of one technology: Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs).

Stationary Energy Storage: The stability of South Africa’s auto manufacturing is hamstrung by an unreliable grid. VRFBs are ideal for large-scale, industrial energy storage. They can provide backup power for entire manufacturing plants, mitigating the impact of load-shedding.

EV Battery Ecosystem: While not used in the vehicle's battery itself, VRFBs are crucial for charging infrastructure. They can store solar energy during the day to power fast-charging stations at night, solving a key hurdle for widescale EV adoption.

The Impact: Local beneficiation of vanadium into electrolyte and full battery systems would directly support the auto industry by decarbonising and securing its energy supply. It creates a new, high-growth industry in energy storage that dovetails perfectly with the needs of modern, energy-intensive automotive manufacturing and the EV ecosystem.

The Road Ahead: An Integrated Strategy

Toyota's Prospecton plant

These five materials are not isolated opportunities; they are interconnected. Local PGMs can enable the green hydrogen needed for green iron and steel production. That manganese-rich, green steel, in turn, is used to build the factories and chassis for vehicles whose manufacturing is secured by vanadium batteries and whose powertrains may be powered by platinum-based fuel cells.

Realising this vision requires more than just market forces. It demands a coherent and aggressive industrial strategy—a partnership between government, mining houses, and the automotive industry. This includes:

· Policy Certainty: Creating a stable regulatory environment that incentivises local value-addition over raw exports.

· Investment in Energy: Solving the electricity crisis is the absolute prerequisite. The beneficiation of aluminium, iron and vanadium is intensely energy dependent.

· Research & Development: Establishing centres of excellence focused on mineral beneficiation and its application in the automotive and energy sectors.

The raw materials are beneath our soil. The industrial base is in our factories. The choice is ours: to continue digging and shipping, or to start building, innovating, and powering the next generation of global mobility. The road to a richer, more industrialised South Africa is, quite literally, paved with the minerals we already own.

This article is based on research from the Minerals Council South Africa, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) reviews and reports from the International Energy Agency on critical minerals.

https://bit.ly/4o3gCWy

Archion: Uniting Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso for Sustainable Mobility

Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso, two prominent Japanese truck and bus manufacturers, are moving forward with a significant integration. The new holding company, Archion, will serve as the umbrella for both brands, headquartered in Tokyo.

Operations under the Archion name are set to begin on April 1, 2026. Both Hino and Fuso will retain their distinct brand identities while combining their strengths to support the broader goal of delivering next-generation commercial mobility solutions.

The integration is designed to focus on customer needs and advance sustainable transportation. Key advantages identified include implementing an integrated platform strategy—this is expected to enhance product offerings, expand the portfolio, achieve economies of scale, and improve investment efficiency.

In addition, consolidating production is on the agenda, with plans to focus manufacturing at three main sites in Japan by the end of 2028. Leadership at Archion is emphasizing transparency, compliance, and financial performance.

CEO Karl Deppen has stated the company’s vision centers on providing superior products and solutions for customers and stakeholders, while building trust through effective governance. CFO Hetal Laligi highlighted a clear financial strategy: unlocking the full potential of the integration by realizing synergies and growth opportunities, all while continuing to improve each company’s individual performance.

The aim is to reach benchmark levels of financial resilience and sustainable value creation. Satoshi Ogiso, Archion’s designated CTO, reinforced the commitment to customer-centricity and ongoing product innovation. He also pointed to accelerated development in CASE technologies—Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric mobility—as a central part of Archion’s future direction.

In South Africa, Hino will continue to operate independently, with a focus on maintaining its leadership in customer satisfaction and market presence. Overall, Archion’s formation marks a strategic move. The company is positioning itself as a leader in commercial vehicle mobility, leveraging the combined expertise of Hino and Fuso to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the industry.

https://bit.ly/4nXBXRg

South Africa's Automotive Industry: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

GQEBERHA – The South African automotive industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s manufacturing landscape, gathered this week to celebrate a significant milestone while charting a deliberate course through a period of global transition.

At the fourth South African Auto Week, naamsa: The Automotive Business Council commemorated its 90th anniversary, reflecting on a legacy of partnership and looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities presented by the global shift to new energy vehicles.

The acting Premier, Mlungisi Mvoko, also serving as the event’s ambassador, opened the proceedings by acknowledging the vital role of media collaboration and the growth of the gathering itself. The event served as a platform to recognise naamsa’s nine-decade journey, which began in this very city before its offices moved to Pretoria in 1983.

The association was lauded for its consistent work in shaping policy, driving innovation, and integrating the domestic industry into international value chains. Today, representing 56 brands, naamsa continues to operate on the principles of free enterprise and collective advancement for its members.

The annual industry report presented a picture of a sector demonstrating resilience amid headwinds. For the first time since the pandemic-related disruptions of 2020, the sector experienced a modest contraction in 2024. The total export value of vehicles and automotive components saw a decrease of R 2-billion, settling at R 268,8-billion, down from the previous year’s record of R 270,8-billion.

Despite this dip, automotive exports still constituted a substantial 40,7% of South Africa’s total merchandise exports for the year. In terms of volume, vehicle exports declined to 390 844 units from 399 809 units in 2023.

A notable bright spot emerged in the components sector, where export value increased from R 203,9 billion in 2023 to a record R 25,4-billion in 2024, a shift attributed to a changing mix of vehicles being exported. The industry also successfully expanded its global footprint, now sending products to 155 countries, up from 148 in 2023, with export value more than doubling to 39 of those nations.

The automotive sector’s role as a primary driver of South Africa’s manufacturing output remains undisputed. In 2024, vehicle and component manufacturing contributed 2,6% to the domestic manufacturing output, with the broader automotive industry contributing 5,2% to the national GDP. Investments from original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers amounted to R 10,25-billion.

A long-term perspective underscores the sector’s enduring impact. From 1995 to 2024, over 6,4-million vehicles, with a cumulative export value of R 1,95-trillion, have been shipped from South African shores. International trade agreements, particularly with the European Union and the United Kingdom, continue to be fundamental, accounting for 75,7% of exports in 2024, meaning three out of every four exported vehicles were destined for these regions.

The current year presents a complex operating environment. Geopolitical challenges, including new US import tariffs, have led to the loss of an estimated 25 000 vehicle orders from that market. Despite this, vehicle exports for the first half of 2025 were 3% ahead of the same period in 2024, even as overall production decreased by 2,2%. Domestically, new vehicle sales showed a strong increase of 14% for the first six months, a trend partly driven by a 69% influx of competitively priced imported vehicles.

A subsequent presentation struck a more cautious note, revealing that South Africa’s share of global vehicle production decreased from 0,67% in 2023 to 0,65% in 2024. This places the government’s 2035 target of achieving a 1% global market share under pressure. A central concern raised was the urgent need to transition towards electric vehicle production, as key export markets like the EU and UK move to ban new internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2035. While some local manufacturers produce hybrid vehicles, none currently assemble battery electric vehicles domestically.

“The transition to new energy vehicles must be tailormade for a South African context and cannot be a carbon copy of what other countries and regions have done,” Neale Hill, CEO of Ford South Africa stated. He suggested that dramatic overhaul is not needed, but rather selective, targeted policies to support specific parts of the value chain where South Africa can be competitive.

The presentation concluded by highlighting a significant potential advantage. Africa, and South Africa in particular, holds vast mineral resources critical for the EV revolution, including 85% of the world’s manganese and 80% of its platinum. A clear call was made for immediate and structured collaboration between government and industry to develop a concrete framework, positioning the country to become a key player in the global EV value chain and secure the future of the automotive industry and its workforce.

“We are very concerned that our industry is falling behind Africa’s progressive automotive and industrial policy measures,” Hill warned. He concluded that the decisions taken now will fundamentally shape the future of vehicle manufacturing in South Africa, impacting its economic value, employment, and skills base. “We must act now before it is too late,” he said.

Adding to the forward-looking dialogue, Mike Whitfield, CEO of Stellantis South Africa, reflecting on the sector’s foundations, emphasised that its strength is rooted in historical cooperation between government, industry, and labour. He pointed to a major strategic development: the confirmation that Stellantis is proceeding with an investment in South Africa, affirming the country’s role as a strategic manufacturing base within the company’s global network.

This sentiment was echoed in a significant international achievement for the industry. naamsa announced that its CEO, Mikel Mabasa, has been nominated to serve as a permanent member of the International Organization of Automobile Manufacturers (OICA). Described as a “United Nations Security Council for the automotive industry globally,” this position will enable South Africa to help shape the global automotive trajectory and ensure the African continent is not left behind in critical conversations about the future of mobility.

As the week’s discussions concluded, the message from Gqeberha was clear. The South African automotive industry, built on nine decades of collaboration and adaptation, stands at a pivotal moment. The path forward requires agility, policy certainty, and a united effort to harness its inherent strengths—from its deep manufacturing expertise to its mineral wealth—to navigate the electric future and secure its position as a global automotive player.

https://bit.ly/476LzTA

Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF): A New Era for African Trade

Africa’s flagship trade and investment event, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), has officially cemented its place as a permanent institution, now headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe.

This move signals a significant leap forward in Africa’s journey toward economic integration. The launch of the Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFCO) at IATF2025 in Algiers marks a new era for the event.

IATFCO is now a standalone organization, designed to ensure the fair’s long-term sustainability and alignment with the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Zimbabwe secured the role of host after a competitive bidding process that included Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa.

According to IATF Advisory Council Chairman and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Zimbabwe was chosen for its strong conference infrastructure, excellent air connectivity, abundant accommodation, and its commitment to expansion.

As he put it, this milestone ushers in a new chapter—establishing IATF as the continent’s premier forum for trade and investment, and helping to drive the realization of AfCFTA’s vision. Afreximbank President and Board Chairman Prof. Benedict Oramah congratulated Zimbabwe and called for swift action to operationalize IATFCO as an independent and sustainable organization.

Afreximbank has committed an initial $28-million in capitalisation, with Prof. Oramah urging additional support from African governments, corporations, and financial institutions as the new entity takes shape. IATF’s role as a platform for showcasing African goods and services, facilitating deal-making, and fostering cross-border business connections has never been more vital.

With AfCFTA’s single market of 1,4-billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3,5-trillion, the opportunities are tremendous.

The most recent fair, held in September, attracted over 112 000 visitors from 132 countries. The event concluded with more than $48,3-billion in signed trade and investment deals and featured 2 148 exhibitors—a testament to the growing influence and momentum of African trade on the global stage.

https://bit.ly/3KjCUEB