Exports of South African manufactured vehicles supplement the industry's domestic production. The industry's vehicle export performance since 1997 may be illustrated as follows -
Following substantial growth in vehicle exports from 1997 through 2001 - exports of SA manufactured vehicles consolidated, at fairly high levels, during 2002 and 2003 and declined in 2004, mainly attributable to certain models reaching their end-of life cycle and the subsequent phasing in of new generation model replacements. The strong Rand also had a negative impact on the industry’s export performance during 2004. During 2005, for the first time, all eight motor vehicle manufacturers announced or implemented export programmes. During 2006, exports of SA manufactured vehicles increased by a considerable margin - 39 947 vehicles or 28,6% - compared to 2005. In Rand terms, 2006 exports reached R24,6 billion (2004: R22,0 billion). From 2007/8, industry new vehicle exports are expected to resume upward momentum as a number of major export programmes are implemented and progressively ramped up.
The destination of new car and light commercial vehicle exports as a percentage of the value of total exports for the years 2000 through 2006 may be shown as follows -
During 2006, the SA automotive industry exported passenger cars and commercial vehicles to 74 countries around the world.
South Africa enjoys significant advantages compared with many other exporting countries. Flexibility to produce relatively short runs, abundance of raw materials and low energy costs, among others, combined with the expertise, advanced technology and established business relationships with parent companies ensures that the local industry is able to add value to the global sourcing strategies of multinational automotive corporations.
Vehicle exports doubled from 1999 to 2003 and this trend is set to continue between 2004 and 2008. During 2006, of the 179 859 vehicles exported, 66,3% comprised cars, 33,4% light commercials and 0,3% medium and heavy commercial vehicles.
