How to Buy and Export Delivery Trucks from South Africa

In 2017, the South African commercial vehicle manufacturing industry sold almost 93,000 new trucks. That figure indicates a drop from the 96,000 units shipped in 2016 and the 100,000 trucks that rolled out of factories in 2015. The reasons for this decline are complicated and diverse. However, they all stem from one issue: overproduction. In 2018, manufacturers continue to struggle with excess inventory as well as negative market trends. However, there are opportunities for brands that know how to navigate tricky waters. If you’re looking to expand your operations into South Africa or purchase new delivery trucks for your own business, this blog post will help you understand the risks involved and find the right partners to make it happen.

What’s Causing the Drop in New Truck Shipments?

The first question to ask is why the South African commercial vehicle manufacturing industry is experiencing a decline in new truck shipments. The answer generally boils down to two causes. First, the South African rand is weaker compared to the US dollar and euro. Manufacturers are more likely to export goods when the value of their local currency is up. The decline in the value of the rand since 2016 makes it more expensive to export goods. This factor alone may not account for the decline in shipments, but it is a contributing factor. The second reason is overproduction. In recent years, manufacturers in South Africa have been producing more trucks than their customers can buy. This has led to increased competition and lower prices. As a result, customers have less incentive to buy new trucks, even if the prices are low.

Finding Partners for Importing and Exporting Trucks to/from South Africa

If you want to buy used trucks or export new ones to South Africa, you need to find a buyer or a seller. Finding the right partner can save you time and money, but it can also be tricky if you don’t know where to look. When you’re looking to import used trucks from South Africa, you’ll have access to an already-tapped market. There are plenty of pre-owned commercial vehicles for sale in South Africa, as well as in other African countries. Finding them and negotiating for them is easy if you know where to look. The trickier option is to export new trucks from South Africa. For these purchases, you’ll have to find the right partners, and you’ll have to convince them to work with you. Finding the right truck manufacturers in South Africa and building a relationship with them will give you access to a wide variety of trucks at a wide variety of prices.

Why You Should Buy From South Africa

If you’re importing new trucks from South Africa, you may feel like you’re taking a risk. After all, the South African commercial vehicle industry is experiencing some issues that could lead to lower quality and lower availability of vehicles. However, the risks are manageable given the right approach. First, you should make sure that you’re buying the right vehicle types for your business. If you’re in the construction, mining, or agriculture industries, you may want to steer clear of passenger vans and specialize instead. If you’re looking for larger vehicles, you may be better off buying used models. As long as you know what you’re looking for and have a quality inspection done, you can find a great deal on used trucks.

The Risks of Importing Trucks from South Africa

As with any import that you make, it’s important to weigh the risks of importing trucks from South Africa. You may be able to find a great price on a vehicle, but if it isn’t reliable, it won’t be worth it. One of the biggest risks of importing trucks from South Africa is rust and corrosion. South Africa has a rainy tropical climate, which can be hard on vehicles. Even if a vehicle has been properly maintained, rust can be an issue if you aren’t careful. Make sure that you’re inspecting vehicles carefully and getting them professionally cleaned, treated, and repainted where necessary. Another risk is lower quality vehicles. South Africa has a robust and varied commercial vehicle manufacturing industry. However, not all manufacturers are created equally. There are significant differences in quality between different brands and models. When you’re importing vehicles, you may not know exactly how they were made.

Exporting New Trucks From South Africa

If you’re in the business of commercial vehicle manufacturing in South Africa, you may want to consider exporting new trucks. This can be an excellent way to move inventory that you can’t sell locally. The good news is that there are plenty of buyers for new trucks in Africa and around the world. Before you begin exporting, you should make sure that your business is ready for the increased demand. You may need to hire more employees or increase production hours to meet the needs of new customers. You should also research shipping routes carefully to make sure that your vehicles arrive at their destinations on time.

Takeaway

If you’re looking to expand your operations or find a new source of vehicles for your business, South Africa is a great place to start. The country has a robust commercial vehicle industry, and you can find everything from used vans to new heavy-duty trucks. Just be sure to do your research. Assess the local market carefully and make sure that you know where to look for vehicles. Finding the right vendors can save you time and money, while poor sourcing can lead to wasted resources and money.