Auto Masterclass 3

Supporting supplier development in the South African automotive sector

The Masterclass focused on two themes:

Navigating Automotive Supply Chains

Deep dive into key ‘participation requirements’ for new entrants to the automotive sector. To include:

• Learnings from enterprise and supplier development initiatives
• Unpacking key barriers to localisation and positioning domestic firms to respond appropriately
• Identification of key localisation opportunities for existing OEM builds
• Identification of new opportunities related to NEVs [pivoting from existing production to new requirements]

Support Ecosystems To Support Start-Ups and Scale Allied Manufacturers

Profile public and private sector initiatives and activities to support the development of new automotive suppliers and support existing industrialists to pivot into the automotive sector:

• Access to finance
• Competitiveness and productivity improvement initiatives
• Support for technical requirements [testing and homologation]
• Networking and collaboration

Presentation 1: Automotive Competitiveness Improvement Initiatives: Learnings From Automotive Clusters

During this session, attendees will learn about prevailing dynamics in the state of the automotive sector and key supplier dynamics, and will showcase key learnings from automotive-specific competitiveness improvement initiatives facilitated via national automotive cluster activities.

Presentation 2: Understanding Localisation

During this session, attendees will learn about the key parameters which support successful localisation and outline key activities and support interventions available via the AIDC EC’s Component Supplier and Investment Support Unit (CSISU) – manufacturing optimisation; component supplier development and competitiveness improvement; and industry investment support.

Presentation 3: Supplier Showcase

This session will showcase a successful automotive Black Industrialist from the Eastern Cape and highlight support activities they have participated in, and funding support unlocked.

Presentation 4: Testing and Homologation Support

During this session, attendees will learn about the technical requirements associated with testing and homologation and how these requirements impact localisation opportunities and their propensity for commercialisation. NMU’s eNTSA initiative will profile opportunities to support localisation activities for Eastern Cape-based component suppliers.

Presentation 5: Finance Solutions

During this session, attendees will learn about funding opportunities from the Industrial Development Corporation [IDC] and opportunities to support activities in the automotive sector.