September 2023 | BUSINESS FLEET AFRICA
WWW.BUSINESSFLEETAFRICA.CO.ZA
Editor
Reuben van Niekerk
reubenvn@vodamail.co.za
082 837 8801
Editor-at-large
Suzanne Walker
suzanne.walker3@gmail.com
083 3789 664
Contributors
Roger Houghton
houghtonr@mwebbiz.co.za
082 371 9097
Publisher
Jacques Wilken
jwilken@mweb.co.za
083 299 7312
Supplement Editor
Tristan Wiggill
Tristan@businessfleetafrica.co.za
Advertising and Marketing
Charlene Kruger
charlene@businessfleetafrica.co.za
076 807 4613
© 1997 WCM Media CC
Disclaimer
While all reasonable precautions
have been taken to ensure the
accuracy of information supplied,
neither the editor, the proprietors,
nor the publishers can accept
responsibility for any inaccuracies,
damages, or injury which may arise
there from.
SA economy surprises with growth
The SA economy outgrew expectations in the second quarter
with GDP growth of 0,6% over the first quarter.
This can be attributed to a number of factors including a strong performance
from the manufacturing and mining sectors. June also saw the lowest monthly load
shedding since August 2022, which helped to bolster the manufacturing industry.
That being said the economy also benefitted from a sharp rise in investments in
machinery and equipment, particularly related to renewable energy, which shows that
South Africans are making plans to lessen their reliance on Eskom.
The transport industry once again outperformed all other industries except
restaurants and hotels with growth of 1,0% showcasing this industries resilience in the
light of a variety of factors including 475 basis points in rate hikes over 18 months and
persistently high inflation.
While the sales of new passenger vehicles declined by 6,7% compared to the same
period last year the sale of light commercial vehicles increased by 2,7% while medium
and heavy truck segments of the industry also demonstrated positive performance.
Medium commercial vehicle sales increased by 0,3% while heavy trucks grew by 10,4%
compared to the same period last year, showcasing that business is continuing to
invest in new vehicles to get the job done.
The death of the trade show?
The local motor industry recently hosted a number of events and trade shows
including the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami and Automechanika incorporating
Futureroad.
While the Festival of Motoring was a relative success, mostly with the public, the
lack of major OEM support was evident. Automechanika and Futureroad were also a
shadow of their former self, struggling to fill two halls at Nasrec.
Historically trade shows were a great opportunity for exhibitors and visitors alike to
expand their horizons. For exhibitors they were an important part of their marketing
strategy and an opportunity to directly engage with customers, clients or partners in a
way that is different to any other type of marketing.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we do business, interact and shop.
Virtual meetings became the norm and online shopping the preferred way of acquir-
ing raw materials, parts and other goods needed to keep your business running.
While trade shows have bounced back internationally, they are struggling to remain
relevant in South Africa. Limited exhibitors attract limited visitors and vice versa, so it’s
a real catch 22. While I don’t doubt their place it seems the local motor industry feels
like they can spend their marketing money better elsewhere.
Reuben van Niekerk
Editor
Editorial
EDITORIAL
WWW.BUSINESSFLEETAFRICA.CO.ZA