South Africa’s importation of electric vehicles (EVs) and the containerization of EV units are two notable trends in the country’s automotive industry, as highlighted by Denzil Reddy of SA Cargo in KwaZulu-Natal.
Reddy pointed out a significant increase in the arrival of EVs at the Port of Durban, signaling a growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles in the market.
Moreover, he noted the recent introduction of the first hydrogen vehicle via roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) transport, indicating a diversification in vehicle types being imported.
Another noteworthy observation is the shifting preference of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) towards containerization for their export and import operations.
This change is attributed to the challenges posed by reduced vessel availability in rotation, which necessitates meeting deadlines and addressing space capacity concerns.
Reddy highlighted the role of increased capacity brought by new entrants in the ro-ro shipping line sector, particularly in the post-COVID era.
These entrants have injected much-needed vessel capacity into the market, allowing for more efficient transportation of vehicles.
These trends reflect the evolving landscape of vehicle importation and transport in South Africa, emphasizing the industry’s adaptation to changing demands and logistics challenges.
