Ford boss says SA needs EV policy within six months

The local industry risks losing thousands of jobs and billions in revenue in the absence of a government plan for EVs. Picture: SUPPLIED

Three-quarters of cars produced by SA’s auto industry, which accounts for 5% of GDP and more than 100,000 jobs, are exported, mostly to Europe. SA’s trade and industry ministry has not given a timeline for an EV policy but told Reuters in August “the government is seeking ways and means to address the electric vehicle matter to deal with the country's economic and environmental issues”.The government issued an Automotive Masterplan in 2018 to help local makers achieve 1% of global production, increase the use of local materials to 60% from 39% and raise employment, among other objectives. It did not include any policy on EVs.

Ford in March boosted its spending on electric vehicles to $50bn through 2026 as the Dearborn, Michigan-based company tries to catch up with Germany’s Volkswagen and industry leader Tesla.

Let’s fix our energy problem first.

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