INDUSTRY NEWS
After a parochial start, the world now drives SA cars
The country punches above its weight in the industry, exporting vehicles to 155 countries
SA has a long, illustrious history of automotive manufacturing. In 1924 when Ford began assembling motor vehicles in Port Elizabeth, it was very much about servicing the needs of wealthy early adopters wanting their first horseless carriage.
Over the decades that followed, Ford was joined by General Motors, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Toyota, BMW and others. Mostly production was about supplying the local market, also creating local models that have become icons, highly sought after in SA as well as by collectors abroad. These include the unofficial first BMW M car, the 530 MLE, the Opel Kadett Superboss, Ford Capri Perana, Ford Sierra XR8 and the Mini 1275 GTS. ..
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