Smarter Mobility Africa’s Post

[Start of the Instagram post] 🎉🚗 Celebrating a Century of Innovation: South Africa's 100-Year Journey in Car Manufacturing! 🚗🎉 As South Africa marks a significant milestone—100 years of car manufacturing—the focus shifts to the future with the Automotive Industry Development Centre leading the charge. 🌍💡 This sector, contributing a whopping 4.3% to the nation's GDP, is not just about numbers; it's about sustainable growth and innovation. The move towards greener technologies and diversification in the automotive industry is not just commendable but necessary. As we celebrate this century of automotive excellence, we must also support and push for initiatives that aim for environmental sustainability and economic diversity. 🌿🔋 What are your thoughts on the integration of greener technologies in traditional industries? Is it the future we need to bet on? 🤔💬 📸 **Suggested Visuals**: A collage showing the evolution of car manufacturing in South Africa over the decades, including vintage models to the latest electric vehicles. 🏷️ **Hashtags**: #SouthAfrica #CarManufacturing #SustainableDevelopment #Innovation #AutomotiveIndustry #GreenTechnology [End of Instagram post]

Why Hasn't Africa Become a Car Producer Yet? 🚗🌍 In less than 20 years, China has emerged as a global powerhouse in car production, especially in the electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, Africa—with its massive potential—still lags behind. Why? 🔑 Key Reasons: Lack of Government Support: Unlike China, African governments haven’t invested heavily in local manufacturing and innovation. Where’s the backing for homegrown solutions? 🌱 Weak Infrastructure: Without proper infrastructure, it’s almost impossible to compete on a global level. Limited Access to Funding: African innovators struggle to get the capital they need to compete in the global auto industry. Policy Gaps: Supportive policies for automotive startups are rare, stifling growth and competitiveness. If China can do it in two decades, why hasn’t Africa? What’s holding us back from leading in EV and car production? 🚘💡 Check out this insightful discussion on the future of Africa’s car industry 👉 https://lnkd.in/dCFe96Qy #AfricaInnovation #AutoIndustry #EVRevolution #GovernmentSupport #InvestInAfrica #DigitalTransformation #AfricaManufacturing

Africa is home to 40% of the world's used cars, most of these do not meet basic emissions standards. According to World Economic Forum; Africa is the ultimate destination for some 40% of used light-duty vehicles. Central Asia receives another sizable chunk. Half of these cars do not meet the fuel economy, exhaust emissions, and safety standards imposed by their original home countries today. The largest exporters are the US, Europe, Japan and South Korea, where approval for vehicle manufacturing and road-use regulations are most progressive. #usedcars #africantransport #carexports

The March 2024 issue of Business Fleet Africa has arrived! In this issue: - TruckStore South Africa expands across South Africa with 10 new agencies, offering a national footprint for customers seeking used commercial vehicles, including #trucks, #trailers, and #buses. - Volvo Trucks South Africa recognised top-performing #dealerships in uptime and customer satisfaction. Various dealers across South Africa received awards. - Tata Motors introduced two new truck models in the South African market, the Tata Ultra T.9 and Tata Ultra T.14. - Daimler Truck Southern Africa Ltd delivers the 300th bus to Putco (Pty) Ltd. - Eicher Trucks and Buses South Africa unveils the #electric Pro 2055 EV truck for city use. - An axle-powered refrigeration trailer introduced in collaboration with DP World and Woolworths. - Technology like AI #dashcams and #telematics helps enhance #fleet security. - Succession planning for fleet managers is crucial for operational continuity and career advancement. - Low rolling resistance (LRR) #tyres are essential for fuel efficiency in fleet management. - Strategies like bulk buying and maintenance help maintain equity in truck fleets. - Truck rentals offer financial flexibility, but lack ownership benefits. - Reload Logistics acquires a Sulphur Bulk Terminal, enhancing its end-to-end supply chain solutions. - Stellantis begins #hydrogen production in France and Poland. - Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman urges a multi-pathway approach for EVs. - China sees a record-breaking 8 million plug-in car sales. - #ces2024 highlights tech trends in transportation, including software-defined vehicles and AI integration. - Ghana's Kantanka Automobile quietly makes strides in producing vehicles. - A pilot project in South Africa aims to introduce electric buses by 2025. - Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd. is enhancing its supply chain with AI-driven inventory management. - The Honda Elevate SUV offers modern design and features, powered by a 1.5-liter engine with various transmission options. - Volvo Car South Africa launches the EX30, an affordable fully electric SUV with multiple configurations and impressive performance. - The Suzuki Super Carry emphasises cost savings. - GWM South Africa unveils Tank 300 with off-road performance and luxury features. https://lnkd.in/d-KRqNba

CHERY, a leading Chinese vehicle manufacturer, has signed a significant partnership with Kenyan firm Afrigreen Automobile to establish an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Kenya. The deal, marked by a high-profile event attended by officials from China’s Anhui Province and Kenyan government representatives, signals a major step forward in the country’s EV industry. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, emphasized that the new assembly plant will make EVs more affordable and accessible, potentially transforming Kenya’s transport sector. With an investment of $20 million, the project is expected to create around 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. Hai Wei, Director of Chery International Central Africa Region, highlighted Kenya's strategic role as an economic hub and its skilled workforce as key factors in selecting the location for the assembly plant. Chery's 26 years of research and innovation will contribute to producing vehicles tailored to the local market, enhancing the country's reputation in e-mobility. Nishant Mishra, Global Head of Future Mobility at Afrigreen Automobile, announced that the assembly plant will become operational within a month, with a production capacity of 5,000 to 6,000 EVs annually. Initial production will focus on the Omoda sport utility model, with plans to expand to pickups in the following year. #Chery #AfrigreenAutomobile #ElectricVehicles #EVAssembly #Kenya #SustainableTransport #GreenTechnology #EconomicDevelopment #FutureMobility TO read more: https://zurl.co/v8jW

naamsa | The Automotive Business Council Key Highlights and Response to the Presidential Address at SA Auto Week 2024 Welcome to the naamsa Press Conference we have convened after the successful hosting of the SA Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town. I want to take this time to thank all our sponsoring partners for your continued support and commitment to this annual event. naamsa would like to welcome the positive policy pronouncements made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the South African Auto Week 2024 yesterday. His recognition of the automotive industry as a key pillar of South Africa's economy, alongside his commitment to advancing the sector through transformative and sustainable policies, resonates deeply with naamsa and with all our member companies. We are particularly encouraged by the following highlights from the President’s address: 1. Rising Business Confidence and Increased Investment 2. Significance of the Automotive Industry 3. Transformation and Job Creation 4. Challenges and Opportunities in Decarbonisation 5. Focus on Electric Vehicles and the Green Economy 6. Comprehensive New Energy Vehicle Guidelines 7. Government Support in Energy, Freight, and Logistics This morning naamsa and Transnet SOC Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a strategic intent to develop and convene a naamsa Transnet Auto ‘War Room’ to drive the collection, consolidation and sharing of key data between organisations to support the implementation of strategic initiatives, monitored by KPIs for rail performance, slot availability/capacity and rolling stock availability and utilisation. The MoU also supports the development of priority infrastructure projects including the South Corridor and the Gqeberha/Coega Port Masterplan to ease congestion at the ports [Project Ukuvuselela]; and the utilisation of the Maputo Port for used imported vehicles. Both organisations will also collaborate to develop standard operating procedures to mitigate automotive-specific challenges and bottlenecks. For full Press Release; https://lnkd.in/dUmTGb7h #ElectroMobility #WeArenaamsa #mobilityMATTERS #AutolyticsBank #naamsaDreamsAcademy #SAAutoWeek #naamsaMGOZI

NETA Auto, the Chinese electric vehicle brand, has announced plans to establish an assembly plant in Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion strategy. At a recent launch event in Nairobi, NETA introduced its flagship store, the first of its kind in Africa, signaling its commitment to the Kenyan market. The local assembly of vehicles is set to commence within the next two months, with the plant expected to produce 250 vehicles monthly. The company's flagship model, the NETA V, is already available in Kenya, and future models such as the NETA AYA and NETA X are on the horizon. NETA Auto's ambitious plans include expanding its presence to 20 countries, opening 100 outlets, and achieving annual sales of over 20,000 units across Africa within the next three years. This expansion underscores NETA’s goal of becoming a leader in the new energy vehicle sector in the region. The establishment of NETA Auto’s assembly plant aligns with Kenya’s National Electric Mobility Plan, which aims to promote environmentally friendly transportation and sustainable road traffic management. By focusing on building a high-quality service network and offering excellent after-sales support, NETA Auto aims to set itself apart in the competitive EV market. As the electric vehicle industry in Kenya continues to grow, NETA Auto’s entry and investment highlight the increasing interest and commitment to sustainable transportation solutions in the region. #NETAauto #ElectricVehicles #EVs #Kenya #SustainableTransport #ElectricMobility #AutoIndustry #CleanEnergy #VehicleAssembly #AfricaExpansion #InnovationInTransport

Multinational carmakers in South Africa are in discussions with their international headquarters to produce electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, and the recently announced tax incentive could soon extend to hybrid cars. This is according to Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, who told Rapport that it would take a year or more for these carmakers to start producing EVs locally. Carmakers with operations in South Africa have been pleading with the government to take a stance on local EV manufacturing. Volkswagen warned that the country was at risk of being overtaken by countries like Ethiopia and Egypt due to the lack of policy. naamsa is talking to vehicle manufacturers to import cheaper models — less than R500,000 — to encourage the use of electrified vehicles in South Africa. Read Full Story Here: https://lnkd.in/dJ63S-YN #ElectroMobility #WeArenaamsa #mobilityMATTERS #AutolyticsBank #naamsaDreamsAcademy #SAAutoWeek #naamsaMGOZI

Chinese automotive brand Neta has officially entered the Kenyan market, partnering with Moja EV Kenya as its exclusive distributor. This move was announced by Zhou Jiang, the overseas business general manager at Neta, who highlighted the launch of the Neta V model. Priced at approximately 4 million Kenyan shillings (about 31,000 U.S. dollars), the Neta V boasts a range of 380 km on a full charge, making it a cost-effective and efficient option for Kenyan consumers. Zhou emphasized Kenya’s strategic importance as a regional economic hub and a gateway for exporting electric vehicles to the rest of Africa. This strategic decision aims to capitalize on Kenya's market potential and facilitate Neta's broader African expansion. By establishing a presence in Kenya, Neta is poised to drive the adoption of electric vehicles across the continent, promoting sustainable and affordable transportation solutions. Wang Aiping, CEO of Moja EV Kenya, revealed plans to initially import about 160 vehicles from China within the next month. In collaboration with Kenya’s Associated Vehicle Assemblers, Moja EV aims to assemble 250 e-vehicles monthly. Additionally, there are plans to begin exporting Chinese electric vehicles from Kenya to other African nations by the end of the year, further solidifying Kenya’s role in the regional electric vehicle market. Wang highlighted the benefits of electric automobiles, which rely on batteries for movement and lack internal combustion engines. This reduces the need for regular mechanical maintenance, offering a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles. The introduction of Neta's electric vehicles in Kenya is expected to significantly impact the local automotive market, promoting the adoption of cleaner and more efficient transportation options. #ElectricVehicles #Kenya #Neta #MojaEV #SustainableTransport #Innovation #AutomotiveIndustry #AfricaExpansion #GreenEnergy #TechInAfrica

🌍 **5 Years Ago: A Journey Across Africa's Rugged Terrain** 🚗💨 Five years ago, I had the incredible privilege of participating in the Africa 5 Continents Drive, an unforgettable journey that took us across some of the most challenging terrains the continent has to offer. From the dust of remote mines to the wilds of national parks and the unpredictable, broken roads, we experienced firsthand the daily struggles our customers face in Africa. This unique adventure wasn't just about crossing borders—it was about collecting vital data from these environments to ensure we could deliver even better vehicle performance. Every mile, every challenge, and every obstacle became an opportunity to learn, improve, and adapt. I'm grateful for the experience and the invaluable insights gained, which continue to shape how we design and build vehicles that truly stand up to the toughest conditions. Here's to progress, innovation, and a future where we can keep driving change—no matter how rugged the road ahead. 🌍🚙 #Africa5ContinentsDrive #CustomerExperience #InnovationInMotion #VehiclePerformance #ToughTerrain #GratefulJourney https://lnkd.in/gw6raWWS