Dealerships and dealer groups will recognise several of the themes raised at the Automechanika Johannesburg CEO Breakfast, from an ageing vehicle fleet and growing Chinese brands to affordability and finance.
The breakfast took place on the opening day of the international trade fair. Industry leaders, government representatives and development partners called for coordinated action on localisation, skills, investment and African trade.
Fleet age, brands and affordability:
Siyabonga Mthembu, Partner at BDO, presented research on shifting global production, growing Chinese brands and South Africa’s ageing vehicle fleet. He identified infrastructure constraints and priorities including sourcing, inventory, affordability, productivity and skills. “We produce more but we’re seeing less and less profitability,” he said.
Programme Director Victor Radebe referred to the size of the national fleet. “It’s about the 13 million cars that are on the road. And it’s also about small businesses,” he said. Michael Johannes of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH spoke about a growing, ageing global fleet and stressed education, cooperation and affordable mobility.
Standards and accountability:
Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association South Africa, raised concerns about recall transparency, vehicle safety, transport affordability and industrial policy, and called for stronger accountability. “Let’s take ownership of this industry,” he urged.
Duncan Mutengwe, General Manager Automotive at the NRCS, explained vehicle approvals, replacement component authorisations and market surveillance, emphasising consistent standards for imported and locally manufactured products.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, John Steenhuisen, cited R107.5 billion in replacement parts imports during 2025 and spoke of opportunities to retain value domestically. “Localisation must extend beyond the factory gate,” he said.
Closing proceedings, Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, announced plans for an Automotive Incubator Highway connecting African markets and supply chains. “We are going to intensify our connective initiatives,” he declared, inviting governments, associations and companies to participate.
Visitors at this year’s Automechanika Johannesburg should make sure not to miss Dealerfloor’s sister publication, Body Shop News Africa’s stand in Hall 2, where a very rare, restored Jaguar will be on show. The 1968 Jaguar Type S, known to its owner as “Greenie”, is valued at R370 000.
South Africa's automotive market is experiencing a growing influx of Chinese vehicle brands, with manufacturers introducing new marques, expanding their model ranges and establishing dealership networks across the country.
In Wuhu, China, Omoda gave the Omoda X its global debut at Omoda X Night, held as part of the 2026 Omoda & Jaecoo International User Summit.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Visitors at this year’s Automechanika Johannesburg should make sure not to miss Dealerfloor’s sister publication, Body Shop News Africa’s stand in Hall 2, where a very rare, restored Jaguar will be on show. The 1968 Jaguar Type S, known to its owner as “Greenie”, is valued at R370 000.
South Africa's automotive market is experiencing a growing influx of Chinese vehicle brands, with manufacturers introducing new marques, expanding their model ranges and establishing dealership networks across the country.
In Wuhu, China, Omoda gave the Omoda X its global debut at Omoda X Night, held as part of the 2026 Omoda & Jaecoo International User Summit.
