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Rob Davies responds to GMSA decision to quit South Africa

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The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies has learnt of the announcement by General Motors South Africa (Pty)Ltd to cease some of their operations in South Africa with regret and concern for the numerous employees whose jobs and livelihood will be directly and indirectly affected as a result

Minister Davies notes that the decision by General Motors is part of a broader, international strategic position by the company to exit certain markets and focus the organisation on target markets and products as evident through the recent activities such as:

  • Exiting Australia in 2013 where there was a joint venture with Holden.
  • Pulling out of Europe in 2017(Opel / Vauxhall brand sold to Peugeot SA)
  • Closure of a plant in Indonesia in 2015.
  • Plant closure in Halol, India in April 2017.
  • Recent pronouncements by General Motors CEO Mary Barra that the focus of the organisation will in future be orientated towards the development and production of autonomous vehicles, electrification and connectivity.

It should also be noted that the emerging global geo-political dynamics might have a bearing on some business decisions being made such as the recent confirmation of additional investment in the US coupled with further move of some parts production from Mexico.

General Motors has had a presence in South Africa since 1926, under various brands such as Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, ISUZU, Oakland, Oldsmobile and Vauxhall. Given the intense competition in the South African market, especially after 1994, GM has had some difficulties including:

  • The GMSA plant not meeting the initial annual minimum production volume of 50 000 units set under the APDP since 2013,
  • Sales have been on a downward trend for the past 5 years, and
  • Exports remained low at about 2 000 vehicles per annum with a maximum of 3 500 units.

Therefore whilst it is regrettable to see General Motors exit South Africa, market performance leading to cuts in profitability, coupled with recent global initiatives have created the conditions to make such a move likely.

Although we do not welcome this decision, we believe that the future of the industry positive as automotive industry stakeholders are finalising a Master Plan for South Africa with a view to growing domestic vehicle production volume and local value addition and an announcement on the final program can be expected early 2018 latest and will cover the period post 2020, Davies said.

Minister Davies stressed that the dti will therefore continue to work with all stakeholders to mitigate the impact of this exit. These initiatives include encouraging the strengthening of the presence, including vehicle assembly, of ISUZU who has been partnering GMSA in South Africa. Minister Davies also expressed confidence that recent announced investments in Coega should save jobs in automotive production in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area, and that anticipated investments and localisation by the remaining vehicle producers will have a positive effect going forward.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.