Market News

August recorded the highest number of vehicles assembled locally in a single month for over more than five and a half years, signalling a growing appetite for new vehicles. Provisional data show 879 vehicles were assembled in the month, upholding a trend likely to see 2014 as the strongest year for . . .

DURBAN, South Africa—Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd. has launched about a $101 million investment plan, mainly to bolster its original equipment tire supply capabilities in the region.   Focused on the company’s South Africa manufacturing plant in Ladysmith, the plan inclu . . .

Imperial Holdings is expanding its motor vehicle business into Africa as part of a strategy to reduce the impact of volatility of the rand and cyclicality of the South African new vehicle market on the financial performance of the listed transport and mobility group. Manny de Canha, the chief execu . . .

 Hyundai Automotive South Africa (HASA) is evaluating the viability of introducing the heavy-duty Hyundai Xcient truck range onto the South African market, says HASA commercial vehicles director Wade Griffin. The market study should be completed towards the end of the year, he adds. . . .

Emirates, the world’s largest carrier by international traffic, says it would expand its operation in Africa by more than 40 percent in the next decade. This is in line with the airline’s 10 years growth plan which includes investment expansion as well as the provision of critical links . . .