BUSINESS FLEET AFRICA | April 2023
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WWW.BUSINESSFLEETAFRICA.CO.ZA
The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) is
actively working to address the issue of illicit trade of tyres in
South Africa. This includes, amongst others, misdeclaration of
tyre consignments and rerouting of imports through neigh-
bouring countries in order to avoid tyre duties, environment
levies and permits.
The SATMC is the representative body of the four leading
global tyre manufacturers with manufacturing facilities
established in the country, namely Bridgestone Southern Africa,
Continental Tyre South Africa, Goodyear South Africa and
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa.
Chairperson, Lubin Ozoux, who is CEO of Sumitomo Rubber
South Africa, said illicit tyre trade is a growing concern and has
far-reaching impacts on the industry, as well as the safety of
drivers and passengers on the road.
“The production, import, export, purchase, sale or posses-
sion of tyres that fail to comply with the domestic legislation of
South Africa must be taken seriously and stamped out. We as
the SATMC, representing local tyre manufacturers, are particu-
larly concerned about the entry of substandard and counterfeit
tyres into the South African market. These tyres often do not
meet the required safety standards, are made with inferior
materials and are prone to failure, placing millions of lives on
our roads at risk,” said Ozoux.
Tyres which are illegally brought into the country pose a
serious threat to the safety of South African consumers. While
this issue has been a persistent problem for several years, the
recent increase could be attributed to the rise in illegal trade
activities globally as globalisation and e-commerce continue
to expand.
SATMC Managing Executive, Ndu Chala, said the Tyre
Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA), in collaboration
with the SATMC, has been working closely with the South
African Revenue Service (SARS) to root out illicit trade in the
industry. “There are currently just over 60 open cases of illicit
trading related to the tyre industry that are being investigated
by SARS. There is no outcome yet and we await SARS processes
to finalise these,” said Chala.
Ozoux said all role players in the tyre industry including
manufacturers, importers, dealers and distributors are aligned
and collaborating to tackle the scourge of illicit tyre trade. The
SATMC has also introduced a number of solutions, including
increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies to
enforce regulations, and increased public awareness through
targeted campaigns. BFA
NEWS
Curtailing illicit tyre trade will
help improve SA’s road safety
In an unprecedented achievement since gaining independence
just over a year ago, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA), has,
not only retained its Top Employer title in South Africa for the
second year running but has also earned a highly sought-after
local recognition as the Top Employer Industry Leader 2023 in
the automotive sector. This honour was made official by the
Top Employers Institute in the Forbes Africa – Top Employers
Supplement and solidifies DTSA’s consistent excellence in peo-
ple management practices. Excitingly, this places the truck and
bus manufacturer among the top 20 Top ranking companies,
attaining 7th position in South Africa.
“To be one of the leading employers in South Africa for
the second successive year is something that we are out-
standingly proud of as DTSA. Moreover, this year we took it
a notch higher as we were also ranked as number one in the
automotive sector for the first time. I am humbled by these
notable accomplishments, they are a testament to our efforts
and commitment to ensuring that we continue to maintain
excellent people practices and foster a favourable working
environment for our people. A huge thank you to our es-
teemed employees for their immense contribution to ensure
continued success, to us as DTSA, our people remain an
indispensable asset,” said Michael Dietz, President & Group
CEO Daimler Truck Southern Africa. BFA
Daimler Truck shines in Top Employer awards