THE fourth annual SA Auto Week Conference starts today, 1 October and is being hosted at the Coega Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre until Friday 3 October.
The decision to bring the flagship event to the birthplace of motor manufacturing in South Africa, was made by naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.
“We are delighted to support SA Auto Week, recognising the significant role the automotive industry plays in our province’s economy and also to be part of celebrating 90 years of naamsa, which was established in our province,” says Khuselwa Randtjie, Eastern Cape provincial government spokesperson.
Mikel Mabasa, naamsa CEO said the trade body’s partnership with the provincial government highlights the province’s pivotal role in driving the sector’s growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. For the duration of Auto Week, the automotive community will converge on the Eastern Cape for a landmark showcase of heritage, innovation, and the industry’s exciting future, he said.
“We are incredibly grateful to have partnered with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government as the hosts of this year’s event. Our anchor partners, WesBank, Absa, the Automotive Industry Development Centre-Gauteng Province (AIDC-GP), and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), have provided strong and consistent support. Their commitment to our strategy, as we re-imagine the future of the automotive industry in South Africa, is evident in the support we receive from them, year-on-year,” said Mabasa.
“The provincial government is looking forward to imagining the future of the automotive sector to ensure that our province continues to thrive through inclusive economic growth. More importantly, this event provides a platform for the province to engage directly with industry leaders,” says Randtjie.
Highlights
naamsa will be hosting the Automotive Indaba and Conference, a two-day event spanning three stages. Over 20 thought-leadership roundtable panels and expert industry presentations will explore and debate topics such as innovation, transformation, public policy, supply chain management, investment mobilisation for the South African auto sector, challenges faced by the medium and heavy commercial vehicle sector, global best practices, and discussions on current policy reforms that will help insulate the country’s manufacturing base.
“The global shifts in the automotive industry following the US tariff policy decisions will undoubtedly influence many of our discussions at this year’s event,” said Mabasa.
Auto Innovation Exhibition
A highlight of the Coega-based event will be the Auto Innovation Exhibition, which showcases the latest and cutting-edge industry products, services, and technologies across the automotive ecosystem. Toyota South Africa Motors, for example, is participating with three main stands featuring a dynamic display of vehicles and initiatives. Toyota, Lexus and Hino will display various models, including the bZ4x, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Hilux Legend 55, Lexus RX and the Dutro Z EV.
Mabasa says TransUnion will be back on stage at the TransUnion Summit to explore how changing consumer needs, generational trends, and digital adoption are reshaping auto decisions and paving the way for innovative mobility solutions.
Another highlight will be the naamsa Accelerator Awards, powered by WesBank, which celebrates excellence and recognises organisations and individuals whose vision, innovation, and leadership are shaping a sustainable automotive future.
The programme is available here.
