Automobile Manufacturers SA mum on General Motors exit

The announcement by General Motors South Africa that it will disinvest in the South African market this week is linked to a decision by General Motors International to restructure some of its global operations, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA)

General Motors South Africa had been building vehicles since 1926 and in Namibia, Auas Motors is the GM car dealer in which stocks the full range of Chevrolet, Opel, Isuzu, Hummer and Cadillac vehicles.

In a statement on Friday the Association said is not able to comment on specific aspects of the decision and matters of detail, but will no doubt be addressed by the company in the near to medium term future.

The Association said the automotive industry in South Africa remains a vibrant and strategically important part of the economy.

“The industry is working closely with government and other stakeholders to formulate the post 2020 automotive development programme specifically to provide the industry and vehicle manufacturers with certainty and stability to enable automotive companies to invest and operate in South Africa with confidence,” they added.

According to them, the industry’s medium to long term prospects will depend on the performance of the South African economy and the global economy which, at this stage, continue to look reasonably positive.

Meanwhile, Naamsa welcomed the news that Isuzu Motors SA will purchase the Struandale manufacturing facilities and continue to produce motor vehicles in Port Elizabeth.