ENTRY-level cars imported from Asia have increased the Durban Car Terminal’s monthly targets by 34% at the end of March.
That’s according to Acting Managing Executive at the Durban Terminals Kwazi Mabaso, who said the growing popularity of makes such as Suzuki, Haval and Hyundai in South Africa has contributed to the gradual automotive recovery following the delays and impact of COVID-19.
“When compared to last year this time, transshipment volumes have also spiked as the appetite for second-hand cars within South Africa and neighbouring countries continues to grow,” Mabaso said, adding the the terminal’s transshipments had grown 55% year on year as at the end of March.
The National Association of Automotive Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) had predicted a three-year recovery for the industry, with the 2021/2022 financial year marking the first year.
Mabaso said conditions were still unfavourable however, increasing volumes were building up stock levels on dealership floors.
“Our main focus is always to ensure that there are no resource delays and for us to avoid stack availability issues at all costs – and we are doing just that as we anticipate growing volumes.”
New makes, models and customers are expected towards the end of the calendar year and will further boost the automotive industry recovery in South Africa, Mabaso said.
