An overview of research and development activities in the South African automotive industry

Since 1995 South Africa's automotive industry has had to adjust to market liberalisation, rapidly integrate into global supply chains, adapt to World Class levels of competitiveness, and has seen increased ownership by multinationals. The effects of these changes on R&D activities are examined here. Data from the national R&D survey are used to further explore the structure and direction of automotive R&D. It is found that R&D activity is under pressure, and likely to decline going forward. However, there are certain niche areas in which R&D is more resilient and likely to continue.