Why these top car brands left South Africa

As one of the country’s largest economic sectors, the automotive industry has witnessed popular car brands rise and fall over the past decade. With an increasing number of imports, existing brands face tough competition. This may mark the beginning or the end for some car brands, as fluctuating economic conditions and rising vehicle prices reshape the landscape for both customers and automakers.

Top 5 car brands that have left South Africa over the last decade

Daihatsu (2015)

Daihatsu, a Japanese car brand, was known for making reliable and affordable small cars that were perfect for city driving. They made popular models like the Charade ,Sirion and the Terios was a well-loved compact SUV. In 2015, Daihatsu announced it would be leaving South Africa. This decision followed their exit from other countries with right-hand drive cars, such as New Zealand and Australia.

Chevrolet (2017)

Chevrolet made a comeback in South Africa in 1997 and operated in the country for 20 years. However, its parent company, GM, started to scale back its presence in the market. GM sold its minority share in Isuzu and transferred local operations, which then acquired GM’s light commercial vehicle manufacturing plant near Gqeberha. Chevrolet cited insufficient returns on investment as the reason for its departure from South Africa, and announced it would focus its efforts on the US and Chinese markets instead.

Dodge and Chrysler (2017)

In 2017, Fiat Chrysler, the parent company, announced it would stop selling Chrysler and Dodge vehicles in South Africa. This decision was due to the American manufacturers halting production of vehicles for right-hand-drive markets. Sales for these brands continued until existing stock was exhausted, and after-sales support was provided through Fiat dealerships.

Datsun (2022)

Datsun bounced back in South Africa in 2014 with the launch of its budget-friendly Go hatchback. However, in 2022, the company announced it would be pulling out of both South Africa and India. Nissan, Datsun's parent company, stated that this decision was part of a larger transformation strategy, and there was no confirmation that Datsun would be permanently phased out in the country.

What’s next for the industry

Despite increased investment from global car manufacturers, the industry has faced challenges in both local and international exports. These shifts highlight the broader dynamics that existing dealerships and manufacturers must evaluate on what to do next and how to stay relevant, all things considered.