Mabuyane Mabuza
It is five days before the South African Car of the Year is announced and here at Kaya 959 we are excited to be a part of it.
As we wait for the announcement, we thought it best to retrace our steps of this love affair between us (the nation) and these shiny metals called automobiles.
The history of the South African motor industry is one that is rich and varied:
It all began in the late 1800s when the very first car arrived on South African shores. The car was a Benz Velo, which was imported from Germany and belonged to a wealthy Cape Town resident.
From that moment on, the South African motor industry continued to grow and flourish. In the early 1900s, car imports continued to increase, and the first local car manufacturer, called Cook-Son, was established in 1901. This was quickly followed by other local manufacturers, such as Leyland, in the years that followed.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the South African motor industry really took off. At this time, the government introduced a range of economic policies that encouraged the growth of local manufacturing. This led to the establishment of some truly iconic car brands in South Africa, including Volkswagen, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ford.
As the industry grew from strength to strength and so has been a motoring culture. South Africans are among some of the most car conscious in the world. At some point, the country ranked in the top five most important markets for Mercedes-Benz AMG nameplates.
The love for cars is entrenched in our tradition hence the South African car of the year is as prestige as any other in first-world countries.
South Africa even boasts three World Car of the Year jurors.
Over the years, the South African motor industry has continued to evolve and innovate. Today, South Africa is home to a range of exceptional car manufacturers, each with their own unique strengths and specialties. From entry-level to family vehicles and bakkies, there is no shortage of options available to South African drivers.
Despite the challenges that the industry has faced over the years, the South African motor industry continues to thrive. With a rich history and a promising future, it is clear that the industry will remain an important part of South African culture for many years to come.
Now Read: Three Root Causes of Car Accidents in South Africa
