Auto parts industry in South Africa

There are more than 200 automotive component manufacturers in South Africa, and another 150 which supply the industry on a non-exclusive basis.

Pressure on prices, and the increased trend for suppliers to operate globally, has led to several mergers between component and original equipment manufacturers. These initiatives have produced the intended results, with locally made cars as well as components being exported in growing numbers.

Key component exports include stitched leather car seat covers, catalytic converters, tyres, silencers/exhaust pipes, and road wheels and parts. Export growth rates have been high - around 40% per annum between 1994 and 2004 - and are expected to remain high.

Recent investors in the auto components sector include:

Mario Levy (Italy) - sewing plant for stitched leather seats
Woco Group (Germany) - acoustic systems for DaimlerChrysler
Leonie AG (Germany) - interior accessories
Almec Spa (Italy) - high pressure aluminium castings
AMD Group (USA) - exhaust vibrator balancers
Saffil Ltd (UK) - mats for catalytic converters