32 Years of motoring evolution

By LINDANI BUTHELEZI

When South Africa gained independence  in 1994 it was not only the political landscape that changed. The automotive sector was one industry that was poised to shift. Thirty-two years later South Africa didn't just gain democracy, it gained  a car culture entirely its own.

From the days of leaded fuel, when a clean light grey tailpipe told your neighbours everything they needed to know about how well you looked after your machine, or insimbi, iketi,  ikari in tsotsi lingo.

When South Africa gained independence  in 1994 it was not only the political landscape that changed. The automotive sector was one industry that was poised to shift. Thirty-two years later South Africa didn't just gain democracy, it gained  a car culture entirely its own. From the days of leaded fuel, when a clean light grey tailpipe told your neighbours everything they needed to know about how well you looked after your machine, or insimbi, iketi,  ikari in tsotsi lingo.

From white wall tyres to seat covers that every self respecting Toyota Cressida owner had bolted to their seats as standard equipment, to massage bead seat cushions for those with deep pockets, this nation has always done motoring on its own magnificent terms. Be it in social gatherings, while navigating traffic, the visual impact of the car would often make a statement about the owner. Cars used to have a lovely burbling exhaust that would alert the neighbourhood that ankel is around. 

South Africans bolted BBS wheels into Golfs before it was fashionable. Turned the BMW E30 into Gusheshe or Ithemba lamahumusha ekasi legend, no marketing department could ever have dreamed up. We built an entire economy on the humble Quantum taxi, the true heartbeat of a working nation. Thirty-two years into democracy travelling by Quantum is still an inextricable part of the lives of many South Africans. 

The announcement by the then Fifa President Sepp Blatter in 2007  that for the first time Africa will host a Soccer World Cup in South African soil did not only come with significant excitement but creativity and innovation on the roads. Motorists stuck the country's flag on the side mirrors when the whole world was watching, and somehow made every single one of these things feel authentically defiantly South African. Windows down, one arm out arriving "just now" on roads that are equal parts adventure and potholes. This is not simply a journey about cars. It is a story about free people expressing themselves the only way that makes complete sense. It is a story to showcase the sweep of time in South African automotive history. 

Big boys as they are often called dominated the market. Traditionally every street corner there will be a parked German built machinery. The likes of American brands like Chrysler, General Motors, Ford were a common sight. South Africans now have more vehicle brands to choose from than ever before, and they all captivates drivers. 

Electric Vehicle (EV) era 

It's no longer about brand loyalty or badge appeal. People are looking for affordability, comfort and peace of mind. The rise of China as a competitive producer of high tech, electric vehicles but more affordable  for South Africans from 2019 is intensifying the competition in the motoring world. Most cars on the South African market are electric vehicles (EV). Total cost of ownership is driving motorists more towards owning EV's. Electric vehicles typically have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine vehicles, which can result in lower maintenance requirements. In some cases, servicing intervals extend to every two years, with costs often lower than traditional vehicles. 

Tshetlhe Litheko of National Association of Automobile Manufacturer of South Africa says that the government is fully behind EV production. "The 150 % investment allowance for electrioc vehicle production is a direct signal from the government that this is a priority". Litheko says the opportunity is clear for those prepared to embrace the change. One manufacturer that is seen to be embracing the change is Volvo Car South Africa. In 2025 Volvo announced that it was reducing its dealership footprint from 19 to 7 , a 60%  with the remaining dealerships focus on electric mobility. Grant Locke  Managing Director l says recent internal data from Volvo shows a significant increase in interest in its electric vehicle range over the past month. He says while fuel costs remain a visible catalyst, the long-term ownership benefits of EVs are increasingly driving more

From white wall tyres to seat covers that every self respecting Toyota Cressida owner had bolted to their seats as standard equipment, to massage bead seat cushions for those with deep pockets, this nation has always done motoring on its own magnificent terms. Be it in social gatherings, while navigating traffic, the visual impact of the car would often make a statement about the owner. Cars used to have a lovely burbling exhaust that would alert the neighbourhood that ankel is around. 

South Africans bolted BBS wheels into Golfs before it was fashionable. Turned the BMW E30 into Gusheshe or Ithemba lamahumusha ekasi legend, no marketing department could ever have dreamed up. We built an entire economy on the humble Quantum taxi, the true heartbeat of a working nation. Thirty-two years into democracy travelling by Quantum is still an inextricable part of the lives of many South Africans. 

The announcement by the then Fifa President Sepp Blatter in 2007  that for the first time Africa will host a Soccer World Cup in South African soil did not only come with significant excitement but creativity and innovation on the roads. Motorists stuck the country's flag on the side mirrors when the whole world was watching, and somehow made every single one of these things feel authentically defiantly South African. Windows down, one arm out arriving "just now" on roads that are equal parts adventure and potholes. This is not simply a journey about cars. It is a story about free people expressing themselves the only way that makes complete sense. It is a story to showcase the sweep of time in South African automotive history. 

Big boys as they are often called dominated the market. Traditionally every street corner there will be a parked German built machinery. The likes of American brands like Chrysler, General Motors, Ford were a common sight. South Africans now have more vehicle brands to choose from than ever before, and they all captivates drivers. 

Electric Vehicle (EV) era 

It's no longer about brand loyalty or badge appeal. People are looking for affordability, comfort and peace of mind. The rise of China as a competitive producer of high tech, electric vehicles but more affordable  for South Africans from 2019 is intensifying the competition in the motoring world. Most cars on the South African market are electric vehicles (EV). Total cost of ownership is driving motorists more towards owning EV's. Electric vehicles typically have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine vehicles, which can result in lower maintenance requirements. In some cases, servicing intervals extend to every two years, with costs often lower than traditional vehicles. 

Tshetlhe Litheko of National Association of Automobile Manufacturer of South Africa says that the government is fully behind EV production. "The 150 % investment allowance for electrioc vehicle production is a direct signal from the government that this is a priority". Litheko says the opportunity is clear for those prepared to embrace the change. One manufacturer that is seen to be embracing the change is Volvo Car South Africa. In 2025 Volvo announced that it was reducing its dealership footprint from 19 to 7 , a 60%  with the remaining dealerships focus on electric mobility. Grant Locke  Managing Director l says recent internal data from Volvo shows a significant increase in interest in its electric vehicle range over the past month. He says while fuel costs remain a visible catalyst, the long-term ownership benefits of EVs are increasingly driving more informed decision-making among consumers. “Fuel price increases may start the conversation, but they are not the full story. “When you look at the total cost of ownership, the flexibility, and the advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles begin to make a compelling case on their own.”

What electric vehicles offer

Lower running costs: Charging an EV can cost significantly less per kilometre than petrol, particularly with home charging or off-peak tariffs, and lower service costs should help reduce the total cost of ownership over time.  Energy independence: Less exposure to global oil shocks and currency volatility, giving consumers greater control over when and where they charge. Future-forward infrastructure: South Africa is actively expanding EV charging networks, with policy support increasingly aligning with electrification. TQ