Volvo Trucks South Africa Enhances Service Infrastructure

Volvo Trucks South Africa has highlighted ongoing investments in its service infrastructure and product development as part of efforts to address evolving transport demands and reduce operational downtime for fleet operators. Speaking at a customer engagement event in Paarl, Western Cape, Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa, emphasised the company’s focus on adapting to industry shifts while maintaining operational continuity for clients.

Waldemar Christensen

“Transport needs are expanding and transforming globally, requiring solutions that balance productivity with environmental considerations,” Christensen noted. He added that innovation in vehicle technology and service delivery remains central to supporting customers in navigating a dynamic sector.

Service Network Modernisation
The company is upgrading workshops nationwide by integrating advanced diagnostic tools and data-driven systems to streamline maintenance processes. A key initiative includes Uptime Monitoring Services, which uses connected vehicle technology to predict maintenance needs, schedule repairs proactively, and minimise unplanned downtime. Christensen stated these measures aim to improve communication between workshops and fleet operators, potentially reducing repair costs and improving fuel efficiency.

Volvo Trucks’ local service network comprises 19 strategically located centres, enabling rapid response times. Christensen stressed that geographic proximity to customers reinforces reliability, a priority as the transport sector undergoes significant technological changes.

Product Development and Sustainability
Recent product updates include the introduction of Euro 6-compliant engines in the Volvo FH long-haul model, designed to align with global emissions standards while catering to South African conditions. Christensen clarified that while Euro 3 and Euro 5 engines remain available, the company is committed to incorporating tested technologies that enhance efficiency without compromising performance.

Internationally, Volvo Trucks recently unveiled an electric long-distance truck model in Europe, boasting a 600-kilometre range and 40-minute charging capability. Though primarily tailored for European markets, Christensen confirmed that South African clients could request the model for niche applications. “This innovation signals potential future advancements for local markets as infrastructure and demand evolve,” he said.

Strengthening Partnerships and Skills
Volvo Trucks has appointed Jarryd Language as Director of Retail Operations South, leveraging his 13 years of experience as a technician and leader within the industry. Language emphasised the importance of collaborative customer relationships: “Understanding clients’ operational challenges and co-developing solutions is as critical as technological innovation.”

The company continues to invest in staff training to align with technological advancements and shifting customer expectations. This approach forms part of its broader strategy to position itself as a long-term partner for fleet operators.

Legacy and Local Footprint
Marking 98 years of global operations and 25 years in South Africa, Volvo Trucks reaffirmed its commitment to the local market. Its Durban assembly plant and 750 employees nationwide underscore its entrenched presence. “We aim to continue contributing to South Africa’s transport sector for decades,” Christensen concluded.

The event in Paarl served to reinforce Volvo Trucks’ dual focus on technological advancement and human-centric service, framing both as pivotal to sustaining customer success amid industry transformation.

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Africa Automotive - How Policy and Partnership Are Igniting Africa’s Automotive Revolution

In the heart of Botswana’s Lobatse, a quiet industrial revolution is unfolding. Inside Delta Automotive Technologies’ sprawling factory, skilled hands weave intricate webs of wires and connectors — components destined for Volkswagen and Nissan vehicles across Africa.

Intricate wiring harness assembly in Lobatse, Botswana

This facility, powered by strategic financing and regional collaboration, embodies a transformative vision: Africa as a hub of automotive innovation, not just a market for second-hand imports. But to shift gears from potential to reality, the continent’s governments must accelerate policies that fuel local manufacturing, cross-border trade, and sustainable mobility.

The Road So Far

Africa’s automotive sector sits at a crossroads. In 2024, Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) saw just 175 915 new vehicle sales, overshadowed by over a million used imports. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda remain tethered to ageing fleets, often a decade old, which guzzle fuel, pollute cities and drain foreign exchange. Vehicle penetration lingers at three cars per 100 people — a stark contrast to the global average of 18. Yet, this gap signals untapped opportunity.

“We’re scratching the surface,” says Martina Biene, Chairperson of Volkswagen Group Africa. “But unlocking this potential demands policy alignment, investment in clean energy, and a continent-wide rethink of how we approach mobility.”

Policy as the Engine of Growth

Victoria Backhaus-Jerling

At a recent Volkswagen-hosted event in Kigali, Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), outlined the non-negotiables for progress. “Political will to implement automotive policies is paramount,” she asserted. “Without legal frameworks, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) won’t invest.”

Her message resonates across boardrooms and government offices: Africa needs cohesive policies to attract giants like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Renault. South Africa, Morocco, and Tunisia have already demonstrated this. South Africa’s auto sector contributes 4,3% to GDP, supported by incentives like the Automotive Production and Development Programme.

Morocco, now Africa’s top car exporter, leveraged tax breaks and port upgrades to lure Renault and Stellantis. Algeria, too, is drafting an auto policy to position itself as a manufacturing contender.

Filter assembly at Johannesburg's Mann & Hummel facility

But fragmentation persists. Forty-one African countries lack basic automotive standards, from fuel quality to emissions. Ghana’s nascent assembly incentives — tax breaks for local plants — are hamstrung by uneven regional regulations. Backhaus-Jerling’s solution? “One Africa, one automotive standard. Harmonisation reduces costs and builds value chains that stretch from Accra to Addis Ababa.”

AfCFTA: The Continental Catalyst

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be the game-changer. Its proposed Rules of Origin (RoO), requiring vehicles to contain 40% local content for tariff-free trade, might reshape supply chains. For Ghana, this could mean component manufacturing booms; for South Africa, expanded markets for its OEMs. Regional collaboration is already budding. Botswana’s Delta Automotive supplies wiring harnesses to South African plants, a synergy Backhaus-Jerling calls “a blueprint for cross-border industrialisation.”

Yet AfCFTA’s success hinges on execution. “It’s not just about agreements,” says Biene. “It’s about ports that clear goods swiftly, roads that connect factories, and grids that support electric vehicle (EV) charging.”

Botswana’s Delta

Delta Automotive Technologies exemplifies this potential. Founded with an $80-million African Development Bank (AfDB) credit line, the company now produces 120 wiring harnesses daily for Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo and Nissan’s H60 models. By 2027, it aims to triple output, employing 1 000 workers — 95% Batswana nationals.

“This isn’t just manufacturing; it’s opportunity,” says Delta’s Director of Manufacturing, Darryn Hattingh. The factory’s impact ripples beyond Lobatse: rural communities gain skilled jobs, women shatter industry stereotypes (75% of Delta’s workforce is female), and Botswana diversifies beyond diamonds.

Clara Kaekane, a Delta engineer, embodies this shift. “We’re challenging perceptions,” she says. “Every harness we build proves women belong in engineering and Africa belongs in global supply chains.”

The EV Opportunity

As the world pivots to electric mobility, Africa can’t afford to lag. Kenya’s electric motorbike boom and Morocco’s EV exports hint at a greener future. Ghana, with its renewable energy mix, is poised to lead in battery assembly and EV production. Initiatives like Volkswagen’s GenFarm — electric tractors deployed in Rwanda — show how local solutions can address global challenges.

But EVs require more than innovation. “Africa needs infrastructure—charging stations, reliable power, and skilled technicians,” notes Biene. Ghana’s planned technical institutes, focusing on EV tech, could become regional talent hubs.

From left, Teddy Mugabo, CEO: Greenfund Rwanda, Michael Frambourg, Executive Manager: Sustainability Solutions, Volkswagen Group Innovation Centre Europe, Martina Biene, Chairperson & Managing Director: Volkswagen Group Africa, Dr Ron Rosati, Vice Chancellor: RICA, Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, Director General: Rwanda Agriculture Board, Serge Kamuhinda, CEO: Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda, Hildegard Muller, President: VDA.

The Used Car Conundrum

Grappling with used imports remains thorny. In Ghana, 70% of vehicles are second-hand, often evading emissions standards. Banning them risks public backlash, but gradual reforms — stricter age limits, low-interest loans for new cars — could tilt the balance. Kenya’s 2018 age limit (eight years for imports) offers a model, though enforcement is patchy.

Financing the Future

Development finance institutions like AfDB are critical. Their investment in Delta Automotive unlocked $23-million in exports and positioned Botswana as a component supplier. “This is how you industrialise Africa,” says AfDB’s Moono Mupotola. “Connect communities to global value chains.”

Yet private-sector partnerships are equally vital. Volkswagen’s collaboration with Ghana’s Universal Motors to assemble Tiguan SUVs shows how OEMs can seed local industries.

Africa’s automotive journey isn’t about catching up — it’s about redefining mobility on its own terms. From Algeria’s emerging factories to South Africa’s OEM hubs, the pieces are falling into place. But without political drive, even the best policies stall.

As Backhaus-Jerling puts it, “Africa has the market, the youth, and the resources. Now, we need the will to build an industry that doesn’t just assemble cars but engineers solutions for the world.”

In Lobatse, that future is already taking shape. With every wire harness Delta’s workers craft, they’re weaving a new narrative — one where Africa isn’t just open for business but is building the vehicles that will drive it forward.

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2025 Simola Hillclimb: Records, Triumphs and a Tribute

The 15th Simola Hillclimb unfolded as a poignant blend of heartfelt remembrance and adrenaline-charged competition, with the King of the Hill challenge delivering edge-of-the-seat drama. Sunday’s condensed schedule paid tribute to Pieter Joubert, a competitor who tragically lost his life following an accident during the morning’s opening run.

Despite the grief, Joubert’s brothers, Charl and 2024 champion Dawie, urged the event to continue in his honour. Their resilience set the tone for a day where fresh talent emerged, records tumbled, and a seasoned contender reclaimed glory.

Modified Saloon Cars: Zeelie’s Record-Breaking Triumph

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Pieter Zeelie, the 2021 champion, stunned crowds by toppling the dominant four-wheel-drive Nissan R35 GT-Rs in his rear-wheel-drive Toyota MR2 Super GT. During the Top 10 Shootout, he shattered Franco Scribante’s 2022 benchmark of 38,129 seconds, clocking a blistering 37,090 seconds—a jaw-dropping 1,039-second improvement.

Zeelie had already signalled his intent during qualifying, becoming the first tin-top driver to dip below 40 seconds with a 37,553-second lap. A brief electrical hiccup in the Class Finals threatened his charge, but he rebounded flawlessly in the final showdown, finishing 1,280 seconds clear of Reghard Roets’ BB Motorsport Nissan GT-R (38,370 seconds).

“The car and team were phenomenal today,” Zeelie remarked. “We tweaked the setup perfectly, though an engine cut-out forced us to dial back the boost for the Shootout. A 36-second run is definitely on the cards!” Reflecting on progress since his 2021 win (40,402 seconds), he added, “The competition’s evolution is incredible.”

Volkswagen’s wildcard entry, seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson, electrified the event in a Polo RX1e. The Swede set a new electric vehicle record (39,001 seconds), narrowly missing the 38-second bracket. “Drifting this car is a balancing act,” he grinned, praising his team’s tyre strategy switch from radial to cross-pattern rubber for better cornering control.

Scribante, meanwhile, grappled with suspension tweaks on his Nissan GT-R, settling for fourth (39,631 seconds), while Silvio Scribante (Audi RS3) and Wade van Zummeren (Nissan R34 GT-R) completed the top six. Anton Cronje, honoured with the Spirit of Dave Charlton Award, rounded out the top 10 in his Subaru Impreza.

Single Seaters and Sports Cars: Mitchell Seizes Opportunity
Byron Mitchell capitalised on absent rivals to claim his maiden King of the Hill crown in a Reynard Formula VW (41,770 seconds). With six-time winner Andre Bezuidenhout sidelined by engine woes and reigning champ Robert Wolk retiring due to sensor failure, Mitchell’s consistent runs—including a 41,696-second Class C2 win—sealed victory.

Rick Morris (Formula Ford) and teen sensation Klayden Cole Ensor-Smith (MSA4) duelled for second, separated by just 0,258 seconds. “This car demands precision,” said Ensor-Smith, showcasing South Africa’s new single-seater series.

Road Cars and Supercars: Weston’s Hybrid Heroics

Clint Weston dominated the production category in Mercedes-AMG’s hybrid GT 63 SE E Performance (43,174 seconds), fending off Cristiano Verolini’s BMW M4 (43,872 seconds). “The AMG’s torque is relentless,” Weston noted, as Courtney Nicholl (Mercedes C63) and Gordon Nicholson (Audi R8) completed the podium.

Notably, Ashley Oldfield piloted MG’s all-electric Cyberster to 10th (49,231 seconds), underscoring the event’s evolving tech focus.

Classic Conqueror: Arton’s Decade-Long Redemption

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Charles Arton triumphed in treacherous conditions, securing his second Classic Conqueror title a decade after his 2015 win. Driving a fire-rebuilt 1979 March 79a, Arton mastered wet-dry chaos to clock 44,436 seconds, edging Andre Bezuidenhout’s Lola T460 by 0,598 seconds.

“Rebuilding this car was a saga,” Arton admitted, referencing a 2017 blaze and gearbox drama. “Today’s tyre gamble on slicks paid off—even with a heart-in-mouth moment at Turn 3!”

Suzuki’s Spirited Underdogs
Suzuki’s trio embraced their underdog status. Sean Nurse hustled a plucky Jimny to a Class B9 podium (1:06,404), while Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger lauded her Swift Sport’s Boosterjet engine despite missing the finals. “A personal victory,” she beamed, echoing Ernest Page’s praise for the Swift GLX’s frugal 5,7L/100km efficiency.

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Honouring a Legacy
Amid the thrills, Joubert’s memory loomed large. Kristoffersson captured the mood: “Pieter’s accident cast a shadow, but his spirit lived on in every run.” As the Hillclimb community mourned, it also celebrated the camaraderie and passion defining this iconic event—a fitting tribute to a fallen competitor.

Classic Car Friday Class Winners:

- H1: Gero Lilleike (1946 Austin A40 Special)
- H2: Hedley Whitehead (1964 Austin Cooper S)
- H3: Jandre Bezuidenhout (1985 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup)
- H4: Ivan Lerm (1987 AC Cobra)
- H5: Trevor Tuck (1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV)
- H6: Gavin Rooke (1973 Porsche 911)
- H7: Rob Obery (1980 Porsche 924 GTP)
- H8: Rui Campos (1974 Porsche 911 RSR)
- H9: Andre Bezuidenhout (1976 Lola T460)
- H10: Franco Scribante (1971 Chevron B19)

From hybrid innovation to vintage grit, the 2025 Simola Hillclimb proved once again why it remains a cornerstone of motorsport passion, blending tradition with cutting-edge ambition.

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Africa Automotive: Transforming Africa's Automotive Industry - Key Regulatory Challenges

Africa’s automotive industry stands at a crossroads, balancing untapped potential against systemic challenges. The African Association of Automobile Manufacturers (AAAM) has intensified calls for governments to accelerate the adoption of unified automotive regulations, a move seen as critical to unlocking regional economic growth and integration.

With 41 of the continent’s 54 nations lacking standardised fuel quality controls or vehicle manufacturing frameworks, industry leaders argue that fragmented policies are stifling investment and hindering cross-border collaboration.

Speaking at a recent industry briefing in Kigali, AAAM CEO Victoria Backhaus-Jerling underscored the urgency of aligning national regulations with global benchmarks. “Harmonising standards for vehicles, components, and fuel is not merely beneficial—it is foundational,” she stated. “Without cohesive policies, Africa risks missing opportunities to transform raw materials into higher-value products and build resilient regional supply chains.”

Her remarks highlight a pressing dilemma: while not every country needs vehicle assembly lines, coordinated standards could enable nations to leverage comparative advantages, fostering specialisation and shared industrial growth.

Volkswagen plant in Kariega, South Africa

Policy Gaps and Economic Costs

The absence of regulatory alignment has tangible consequences. Volkswagen Group Africa’s Managing Director, Martina Biene, pointed to Nigeria as an example, where inconsistent fuel quality standards disrupted the company’s operations and delayed market re-entry. Such barriers, she noted, undermine Africa’s ability to attract manufacturing investments, despite its burgeoning consumer markets and raw material reserves.

The automotive sector’s economic significance is well-documented. In South Africa, it contributes 4.3% to GDP and supports over 450,000 jobs, trailing only mining in economic impact. Yet, across much of the continent, disjointed policies mean similar benefits remain unrealised. Backhaus-Jerling emphasised that political continuity is key: “Sustainable industrial growth requires commitment beyond electoral cycles. Policy formulation cannot halt with changes in leadership.”

Regional Integration and the AfCFTA Imperative

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), operational since 2021, offers a pathway to address these challenges. By reducing intra-African tariffs and streamlining customs procedures, the agreement aims to create a unified market of 1.3 billion people. For automakers, this could catalyse economies of scale, making local production more viable. However, progress hinges on complementary national policies.

“Regional integration must be prioritised,” urged Backhaus-Jerling. “Policies that facilitate cross-border trade and value-chain collaboration are essential to position Africa within global automotive networks.” The AAAM advocates for frameworks that incentivise domestic manufacturing, reduce reliance on imported vehicles, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Countries like Morocco and Egypt, which have implemented targeted automotive strategies, serve as models, drawing major manufacturers through tax incentives and infrastructure development.

Ford's PHEV battery assembly plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria

Trade Turbulence and the US Tariff Threat

While continental integration advances, external pressures loom. South Africa’s export-driven automotive sector faces uncertainty due to proposed US tariffs. Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 announcement of 25% levies on automotive imports, coupled with an additional 31% duty targeting South Africa, threatens to disrupt a trade relationship underpinned by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Since 2001, AGOA has granted duty-free access to the US market for eligible African nations, with South African automotive exports — including brands such as BMW , Ford and Toyota — accounting for 64% of AGOA-related shipments.

Though only 6,5% of South Africa’s automotive exports currently go to the US, industry representatives caution against underestimating the tariffs’ ripple effects.

Complicating negotiations is South Africa’s recent foreign policy stance, including its International Court of Justice case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza — a move criticised by US lawmakers. With trade discussions likely to intersect with geopolitical tensions, industry stakeholders emphasise the importance of safeguarding jobs without compromising national sovereignty.

Market Shifts: The Rise of Asian Manufacturers

BAIC assembly facility in Coega, Eastern Cape

Amid policy debates, Africa’s automotive landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation. Asian manufacturers, particularly from China, are gaining ground in markets traditionally dominated by European and American brands. In South Africa, Chinese automakers such as GWM (Haval) and Chery have doubled their market share since 2020, challenging incumbents through competitive pricing and local assembly investments.

China’s influence extends beyond finished vehicles. In 2021, 64% of South Africa’s imported aftermarket parts originated from China, reflecting deepening supply-chain integration. Companies such as BAIC and Yanfeng Plastic Omnium have committed billions to local production facilities, while established players including Toyota are partnering with Asian suppliers to reduce costs. This shift is reshaping manufacturing strategies, with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) increasingly sourcing components from Asian partners to maintain competitiveness.

Government’s Role in Navigating Transition

Industry leaders argue that targeted government support is vital to harness these trends. South Africa’s Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS), which co-funds manufacturing upgrades, and initiatives by the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) to bolster local suppliers, exemplify measures that could be replicated continent-wide.

Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) presents another opportunity. With global OEMs pivoting to electrification, African nations could leverage mineral resources like cobalt and lithium to develop EV value chains. However, this requires proactive policy-making, including investment in charging infrastructure and incentives for local battery production.

A Roadmap for the Future

Toyota's manufacturing base is in Prospecton, Durban

The AAAM’s push for regulatory harmonisation coincides with a pivotal moment for African industry. As global trade dynamics shift and regional integration gains momentum, coordinated policies could unlock manufacturing potential, stimulate job creation, and reduce dependency on imports. For policymakers, the challenge lies in balancing immediate economic pressures with long-term strategic vision.

For automotive stakeholders, the message is clear: Africa’s success hinges on collaboration. By aligning standards, fostering specialisation, and prioritising regional value chains, the continent could transition from a patchwork of isolated markets into a cohesive automotive hub—one capable of competing on the global stage. The road ahead is complex, but with concerted effort, the rewards could be transformative.

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