South Africa’s reliance on imported replacement automotive parts is creating opportunities for local manufacturers to supply a market worth billions of rand, as industry bodies push for greater localisation.
The country imported R107.5 billion worth of replacement parts in 2025, up 2.6% from R104.8 billion in 2024, according to naamsa’s 2026 Automotive Trade Manual.
The figures highlight the potential for South African businesses to manufacture components locally rather than depend on international suppliers.
The automotive aftermarket, which covers replacement parts, vehicle maintenance and repairs, was valued at approximately R106 billion in 2025, according to a study commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) and conducted by EY.
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) estimates that the broader aftermarket supports more than 310,000 jobs across over 23,000 businesses, approximately 80% of which are small, medium and micro enterprises.
Speaking at Automechanika Johannesburg on 27 October, Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister John Steenhuisen said South Africa’s approximately 13 million vehicles on the road created sustained demand for replacement components.
“Every additional percentage point of localisation in replacement parts represents jobs created, industrial capability strengthened, foreign exchange retained, and value added within South Africa,” he said.
Components create manufacturing opportunities
The LSF study identified 12 components with potential for increased local production, including batteries, automotive glass, brake pads, brake discs, spark plugs and filters.
Three categories were identified as immediate priorities: lead-acid batteries, automotive glass and brake pads.
The lead-acid battery aftermarket was valued at R1.8 billion, with potential to support approximately 2,431 jobs across direct, indirect and induced employment.
Automotive glass represented a R1.4 billion market, with potential for approximately 1,975 jobs, while brake pads accounted for R1 billion and approximately 1,297 potential jobs.
The study found that South Africa already has established or partial manufacturing capacity for most of the shortlisted components. However, the challenge is producing them at competitive prices and achieving sufficient manufacturing scale.
Henk Ferreira, chief operating officer of the RMI, said imported brake pads were typically 20% to 30% cheaper than locally manufactured alternatives in the independent aftermarket.
“Ultimately, RMI workshops, panel beaters, parts retailers and dealers must offer products that meet customers’ budgets while maintaining appropriate quality and safety standards,” Ferreira said.
The study also identified high input costs, manufacturing scale and automation as barriers to local competitiveness.
SMEs need access to the value chain
RMI chief executive Ipeleng Mabusela said localisation policy should recognise businesses involved in vehicle maintenance, repairs and replacement parts, rather than focusing mainly on vehicle assembly.
“Localisation policy needs to reflect the full automotive value chain,” she said.
The organisation has called for better access to testing and certification facilities, manufacturing incentives and opportunities for smaller businesses to participate in domestic and regional supply chains.
It also identified component reconditioning, rebuilding and remanufacturing as additional opportunities for businesses to retain value locally.
Steenhuisen said the review of the Automotive Production and Development Programme should consider businesses supporting vehicles throughout their operational lives.
