Automechanika Johannesburg will take place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 27 to 29 October 2026, bringing together the automotive aftermarket and the service and repair sectors. The show follows a Messe Frankfurt South Africa CEO Breakfast in Cape Town, where investment, policy and affordability dominated discussion, and it gives workshops, suppliers and other businesses serving South African motorists a chance to act on those issues.
The breakfast, hosted at the Nedbank Clocktower Building at the V&A Waterfront, concluded that South Africa can secure a competitive, sustainable automotive future only by aligning policy, investment, regional value chains and consumer realities.
Western Cape investment and AA policy concerns
Marc Dunnink, Head: FDI at the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, presented the Western Cape as an automotive and green-economy investment destination, pointing to its supplier base, renewable-energy potential, trade infrastructure and research capability.
Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association South Africa, warned that uneven incentives and policy shortcomings risk weakening local production, investment and consumer affordability. “Government and manufacturers must create fair incentives for every OEM, support sustainable local production and build levies and taxes on imported vehicles that make sense,” he said.
Nedbank outlook on consumer spending
Chrystal Huntley, Specialist Economist at Nedbank, said consumers entered 2026 supported by lower inflation, interest-rate cuts, stronger disposable income and employment growth. However, rising oil prices, inflationary risks and tighter financing conditions are now likely to constrain discretionary spending and shift demand towards essentials and more affordable choices. “Higher fuel costs and tighter financing conditions will reshape spending patterns, so the sector must deliver accessible mobility and real value,” said Huntley.
Speakers agreed that resilience calls for policy certainty that encourages investment, infrastructure and skills for the energy transition, and products and services that remain relevant to consumers.
What Automechanika Johannesburg visitors can expect
The show will feature a Business Matchmaking Platform hosted by Espresso Meet-up, which connects visitors with suppliers, distributors and partners based on their business needs. Visitors and exhibitors from over 44 countries are expected, along with events, conferences and forums.
Manufacturers, distributors, workshop professionals, service providers and investors are invited to attend. Registration is open at tinyurl.com/AMJ2026, and exhibiting enquiries can be directed to www.automechanikasa.co.za or Tracy Gounden at tracy.gounden@za.messefrankfurt.com.
Supplied by QuickPic (Automechanika JHB)
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