SA Auto Industry Pushes Back on 50% Import Duty Proposal

Summary

The South African auto industry is strongly opposing a proposal to impose a 50% import duty on vehicles brought into the country. Industry leaders say this high duty would act like a heavy 'hammer,' impacting the affordability of imported cars and the broader market. Instead of a blunt measure, they are calling for a more balanced approach that adjusts various factors or 'levers' to support local manufacturing without severely limiting consumer choices or increasing prices dramatically. The idea behind the import duty is to protect local car makers and jobs but experts warn that too high a duty could backfire by making cars more expensive for everyday South Africans. The industry wants the government to consider fine-tuning policies to help the entire car industry thrive, including consumers who rely on affordable imports and local businesses tied to vehicle sales and servicing.