At a Glance
- Global carmakers ramp up EV, hybrid production in South Africa’s expanding auto industry.
- The automotive sector drives 12% of exports, nearly 5% of South Africa’s GDP.
- Toyota, VW, Ford lead manufacturing, exports amid growing regional and international demand.
South Africa’s automotive industry is shifting into high gear, cementing its reputation as the continent’s most advanced vehicle manufacturing hub.
Backed by multi-million-dollar investments, favorable government policies, and growing demand for exports, global carmakers are expanding their local production capacity, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid segments.
Contributing nearly 5% to national GDP and accounting for over 12% of South Africa’s total exports, the auto sector plays a pivotal role in sustaining economic growth, job creation, and trade.
As global supply chains realign and Africa’s middle class grows, South Africa’s auto industry is becoming increasingly strategic for both domestic resilience and regional dominance.
With deep-rooted assembly operations, robust infrastructure, and access to key markets like the European Union, United Kingdom, and Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa has attracted some of the world’s largest automotive brands.
Below is a ranking of the top 10 automotive companies driving innovation, exports, and industrialization across the country.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM)
Base: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Top Models: Hilux, Corolla Cross, Fortuner
Toyota remains the undisputed market leader in South Africa, commanding the highest share of local vehicle sales and exports. Its Prospecting plant—among the largest in Africa—recently ramped up hybrid vehicle production, signaling Toyota’s pivot toward low-emissions mobility.
The Hilux retains its crown as the best-selling vehicle in South Africa, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid strengthens Toyota’s sustainability push amid tightening global emissions standards.
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA)
Base: Kariega (Uitenhage), Eastern Cape
Top Models: Polo Vivo, Polo
Volkswagen’s Kariega facility is one of the country’s oldest auto plants and a critical export base for left-hand-drive markets in Europe and beyond.
The Polo models consistently rank among South Africa’s top-selling vehicles.
VWSA also plays a key role in local supplier development, job training, and automotive component exports, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s automotive value chain.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA)
Base: Silverton, Pretoria & Struandale Engine Plant, Gqeberha
Top Models: Ranger, Everest
Ford’s R16 billion ($892 million) investment into its Silverton Assembly Plant is one of the most significant in South African automotive history.
It has transformed the site into a global hub for the Ford Ranger, with next-gen models and hybrid versions gaining international traction.
The company is also rolling out smart manufacturing systems and enhanced automation as it integrates into future-ready vehicle production platforms.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA)
Base: East London, Eastern Cape
Top Models: C-Class Sedan
Mercedes-Benz’s East London plant produces the globally exported C-Class sedan and is a frontrunner in South Africa’s green manufacturing transformation.
The facility is piloting carbon-neutral operations and training its workforce for EV assembly and AI-based systems integration.
As demand for premium and sustainable vehicles increases, MBSA is positioning itself at the center of the continent’s luxury electric vehicle (EV) roadmap.
BMW Group South Africa
Base: Rosslyn, Gauteng
Top Models: X3, 3-Series (discontinued)
The Rosslyn plant was BMW’s first production facility outside Germany and currently manufactures the X3 SUV for both domestic and export markets.
BMW is integrating Industry 4.0 systems, energy-efficient practices, and digital tools in support of its “green mobility” strategy across Africa.
The company continues to innovate in smart vehicle manufacturing while reinforcing its local supply chain partnerships.
Isuzu Motors South Africa
Base: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Top Models: D-MAX, N-Series Trucks
Following its acquisition of General Motors SA assets, Isuzu has scaled its operations significantly.
Its Gqeberha facility is now a leading exporter of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) across sub-Saharan Africa.
Isuzu is also involved in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, exploring alternative fuel solutions for freight transport.
Nissan South Africa
Base: Rosslyn, Gauteng
Top Models: Navara, NP200
Nissan’s R3 billion ($167 million) upgrade to its Rosslyn assembly plant has positioned it as a major exporter of the Navara pickup, with increasing demand across African and Middle Eastern markets.
Its popular NP200 remains a staple in the entry-level utility vehicle segment, while Nissan evaluates EV localization strategies for the near future.
Stellantis South Africa
Base: Planned plant in Coega SEZ, Eastern Cape
Top Brands: Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot, Citroën
Stellantis is making a bold entry into South Africa’s manufacturing space with a new R3 billion ($167 million) factory under construction in the Coega Special Economic Zone. Completion is expected by 2026.
The move underscores growing confidence in AfCFTA-driven regional expansion, with Stellantis aiming to compete in African car production and assembly through a multi-brand approach.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa
Base: Germiston, Gauteng (Assembly & Distribution)
Top Models: H100, Grand i10, Tucson
Although Hyundai does not operate a full-scale production plant, its semi-knockdown assembly of models like the H100 has boosted its share of the light commercial vehicle segment.
Hyundai has gained traction due to its reliability, after-sales support, and strong positioning in the budget and mid-tier car markets.
The brand continues to expand its footprint through innovative financing and dealership strategies.
BAIC South Africa (Beijing Automotive Group)
Base: Coega IDZ, Eastern Cape
Top Models: X55, D20
Chinese automaker BAIC made headlines with a R11 billion ($613 million) investment in a semi-knockdown (SKD) plant, representing one of the largest Chinese auto investments in Africa.
BAIC’s competitively priced SUVs and passenger vehicles are gaining traction in price-sensitive markets, contributing to South Africa’s automotive diversification and boosting its role in South-South trade.
