Covid-19 was a major setback for many industries across the world, but who has bounced back strongest in the automotive world? Here is where South Africa ranks in terms of automotive production.
With the past two years playing host to a global pandemic and European conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the playing field of automotive producers has been turned on its head. New data provided by the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and compiled by UK-based insurer GoShorty shows a detailed list of countries that have bounced back strongest following the devastation to the economy that Covid-19 ravaged in many countries.
Between 2020 and the end of 2021, the world was thrust into shutdown with lockdowns restricting movement and putting a pause on production across many industries. Data collected shows countries competing in the automotive sphere between the two years and who managed to bounce back strongest.
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Of the list, Argentina enjoyed the largest increase in production of 69% with just shy of half a million units produced at the close of 2021 in comparison to 257 187 units from the year prior. South Africa has ranked seventh on the list, with production by the close of 2021 of 499 087 representing a 12% increase.
With the industrial might of Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW and Nissan all heavily invested into South Africa there is also room for major growth however the gravitation of the automotive world into electrification is a determining factor for the local industry that supports over 100 000 livelihoods.
