SA Motor Industry Calls For Delay Of The Proposed Launch Of The Government-Driven Automotive Masterplan

THEBE MABANGA

SOUTH African car manufacturers and automotive suppliers have urged government to delay the implementation of the South African Automotive Master Plan, which is due to kick in in January next year, arguing that the industry needs time recover from the COVID-19 shock while government has not fine tuned the regulations that will govern the plan.

The proposed postponement is for six months.

The South African Motor Industry is reeling from the devastation of the COVID-19 enforced national lockdown, with sales coming to a total halt in April this year and, as at the end of September, 35% behind the same time last year.

South Africa’s vehicle sales are heavily dependent on exports but there is currently uncertainty because the European Union, a key export destination, is currently grappling with a second wave of the coronavirus infections while Britain, the single largest destination for car exports, faces the prospect