South Africa Automotive Motors Market Research Report, 2030

The South African automotive motors market is undergoing a significant evolution, driven by a confluence of global and local factors. Innovations in motor materials, manufacturing processes, power electronics, and control systems are crucial for the South African automotive motor market to develop smaller, more efficient, and more powerful motors. Research into new magnetic materials, alongside optimized winding designs and improved insulation techniques, is leading to higher power densities and reduced energy losses. In manufacturing, the adoption of advanced robotics and automated assembly lines is contributing to higher precision and cost-effectiveness in local production, as South Africa aims to increase local content in vehicles. Innovations in motor materials, manufacturing processes, power electronics, and control systems are crucial for the South African automotive motor market to develop smaller, more efficient, and more powerful motors. Research into new magnetic materials, alongside optimized winding designs and improved insulation techniques, is leading to higher power densities and reduced energy losses. In manufacturing, the adoption of advanced robotics and automated assembly lines is contributing to higher precision and cost-effectiveness in local production, as South Africa aims to increase local content in vehicles. Innovations in motor materials, manufacturing processes, power electronics, and control systems are crucial for the South African automotive motor market to develop smaller, more efficient, and more powerful motors. Research into new magnetic materials, alongside optimized winding designs and improved insulation techniques, is leading to higher power densities and reduced energy losses. In manufacturing, the adoption of advanced robotics and automated assembly lines is contributing to higher precision and cost-effectiveness in local production, as South Africa aims to increase local content in vehicles. According to the research report "South Africa Automotive Motors Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the South Africa Automotive Motors market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.47% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Government subsidies, tax incentives, and environmental regulations are starting to influence the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in South Africa, thus impacting the motors market. While EV adoption is from a low base, the government's push to support local EV production, along with the growing availability of mid-range EV models, is expected to accelerate growth. While a driver, the pace of charging infrastructure development can indirectly affect the speed of EV adoption; however, South Africa is seeing efforts to expand its charging network by companies like Grid Cars and Rubicon, which is crucial for alleviating range anxiety and boosting traction motor demand. The evolving mobility landscape, including ride-sharing, last-mile delivery, and potential future autonomous robotaxis, will also significantly influence motor demand. There's notable growth in electric two- and three-wheelers for last-mile delivery in South Africa, highlighting the immediate impact of these trends on specialized motor requirements. These services often prioritize electric vehicles for their lower operating costs and environmental benefits, requiring durable, high-cycle motors. The constant pressure on car manufacturers to reduce component costs will continue to impact motor suppliers, pushing for efficiency and innovation in manufacturing processes, even as they face challenges like fluctuating prices of materials such as copper, rare earth magnets, and steel. Brushed DC Motors continue to maintain a significant presence in the South African automotive market, primarily within more cost-sensitive and established applications. These motors are commonly found in older vehicle models and in the substantial aftermarket for repairs and replacements. Their simplicity, affordability, and robust nature make them suitable for functions such as basic power window mechanisms, conventional windshield wiper systems, and simpler fan applications in less sophisticated climate control units. Brushless DC Motors are rapidly gaining traction and becoming the preferred choice across a wider range of applications in the South African automotive sector. Their inherent advantages of higher efficiency, extended operational lifespan, reduced noise, and a superior power-to-size ratio align well with the growing demand for more technologically advanced and fuel-efficient vehicles. These motors are increasingly integrated into modern vehicles for sophisticated electronic power steering systems, advanced climate control blowers and compressors, high-performance fuel pumps, and various precise actuators for advanced driver-assistance systems ADAS. Stepper Motors are valued in the South African automotive market for applications demanding precise, incremental movements and accurate positioning. They are crucial where exact, repeatable control over angular displacement is required, often without the need for complex feedback loops. Common applications include adaptive headlight beam adjustments, precise control of air flaps in sophisticated HVAC systems to ensure optimal cabin comfort, and accurate control of dashboard gauges and infotainment system components.

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The Electric Vehicle segment in South Africa, encompassing Battery Electric Vehicles BEVs, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles PHEVs, and Hybrid Electric Vehicles HEVs, is a burgeoning market, albeit from a relatively low base. While EV sales constituted around 4% of new passenger car sales in 2023, the segment is projected for substantial growth, with forecasts indicating electrification rates of 12% for passenger cars and 6% for light commercial vehicles by 2030. This growth is significantly driven by government incentives, such as the 150% tax incentive for local EV manufacturing set to begin in 2026, and increasing investments in charging infrastructure by private companies like GridCars and Rubicon. These developments are crucial for alleviating range anxiety and making EVs more viable for South African consumers. The increasing adoption of EVs directly fuels the demand for high-power traction motors, which are the primary propulsion units, along with numerous auxiliary motors essential for functions like efficient battery thermal management systems, electric air conditioning compressors vital for the South African climate, and advanced electric braking systems that support regenerative braking. The Non-Electric Vehicle segment, primarily consisting of gasoline and diesel Internal Combustion Engine ICE vehicles, currently dominates the South African automotive market. This segment continues to be the largest source of demand for various types of electric motors, given the significant existing vehicle parc and the ongoing sales of new ICE vehicles. Motors in this category are integral to a wide array of comfort, convenience, and safety features. These include motors for power windows, electric power steering, fuel pumps, engine cooling fans critical for managing heat in diverse climates, and anti-lock braking systems. The HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning application segment is of paramount importance in the South African automotive market due to the country's diverse and often extreme climate conditions, ranging from hot summers to cold winters in certain regions. Motors in this category are vital for powering robust cabin blowers, precisely controlling air distribution flaps in sophisticated multi-zone automatic climate control systems, and operating electric compressors for air conditioning. Given the need for effective climate control, efficient HVAC motors are crucial not only for passenger comfort but also for optimizing energy consumption, particularly as electric vehicle adoption increases where battery range is a key consideration. The Engine application segment remains a significant area for motor demand in the South African automotive sector, despite the gradual shift towards electrification. For the large existing fleet of gasoline and diesel Internal Combustion Engine ICE vehicles, motors are essential for critical functions. These include high-pressure fuel pumps ensuring precise fuel delivery, robust engine cooling fans that are vital for managing thermal loads, especially in the hot climate, and various actuators for optimizing valve timing and turbocharger performance to meet emission standards and improve fuel efficiency. The Safety and Security application segment holds critical importance in the South African automotive market, driven by evolving vehicle safety regulations and increasing consumer awareness regarding advanced protection features. Motors in this category are indispensable for critical active safety systems such as electric power steering EPS, anti-lock braking systems ABS, and electronic stability control ESC, where precise and rapid actuation is paramount for accident prevention and enhanced vehicle control. The OEM channel in South Africa is a significant contributor to the national economy, with the automotive industry contributing around 4.9% to the country's GDP. South Africa hosts major international automotive manufacturers like Toyota, VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Nissan, which produce vehicles for both local consumption and export, particularly to Europe and other African nations. This channel involves the direct supply of motors to these vehicle assembly plants for integration into new cars during manufacturing. The South African government, through initiatives like the Automotive Production and Development Programme APDP, provides incentives, including a 150% tax incentive from March 2026 for investments in electric and hydrogen vehicle production, to bolster local manufacturing and attract foreign direct investment. This strategic support directly impacts the OEM channel by driving demand for high-quality, high-volume motor components for new vehicles. As South Africa gradually shifts towards electrification, OEM demand for traction motors and diverse auxiliary motors for new Battery Electric Vehicles BEVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles PHEVs is increasing. The aftermarket supplies motors for common components such as power windows, windshield wipers, fuel pumps, and HVAC blowers, all of which experience wear and tear over time. The "right-to-repair" policy in South Africa is also expected to influence this market by potentially increasing competition among repair service providers and facilitating greater access to non-OEM parts.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Automotive Motors Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Motor Type • Brushed DC Motor • Brushless DC Motor • Stepper Motor • Traction Motor

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By Vehicle Type • Electric Vehicle • Non-electric Vehicle By APPLICATION • HVAC • Engine • Safety and Security • Others By Sales Channel • OEM • Aftermarket The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.