At the HELLA Synergy event in Sandton on 9 June 2026, Melissa van Rensburg of Lightstone unpacked how South Africa’s ageing vehicle parc, the rapid rise of Chinese brands and changing consumer behaviour are reshaping the aftermarket.
South Africa’s automotive aftermarket is entering a new phase, and the message from Van Rensburg was clear: businesses that rely on instinct alone risk being left behind.
Speaking under the theme “Preparing for the Evolving Vehicle Parc”, she highlighted a market defined by complexity, scale and fast-changing dynamics. With a vehicle parc of about 11 million units, excluding yellow metal and vehicles older than 50 years, South Africa remains one of the largest and most intricate automotive markets on the continent.
One of the most significant shifts has been the surge in Chinese brands. Van Rensburg noted that in 2022, Chinese-built vehicles accounted for only 7% of new vehicles sold in South Africa. By 2026, that figure had climbed to 21%, reflecting the speed at which these brands are gaining traction. However, the broader vehicle parc changes more slowly. South African- and Indian-built vehicles still dominate the local parc, together making up the bulk of vehicles on the road. For aftermarket players, this means balancing immediate demand for familiar parts and service solutions with the need to prepare for a future shaped by newer entrants and different product requirements.
A second major trend is the ageing of the parc itself. Passenger vehicles in South Africa now average around 10.9 years, while light commercial vehicles have moved beyond 11 years. Consumers are holding on to their vehicles for longer and, in a price-sensitive economy, repair and maintenance costs matter more than ever. This creates opportunity for independent workshops and parts suppliers, but it also raises the stakes. Ordering the wrong part, misunderstanding model derivatives or overlooking specification changes can cost suppliers time, money and customer trust. In a market with tens of thousands of model derivatives, accurate data is no longer a luxury; it is essential.
Just as important is who is buying vehicles. Millennials and Gen X consumers now form a significant share of the market, and their expectations are different. They research online, compare options digitally and rely on reviews and social platforms before making decisions. For the aftermarket, being visible online is no longer optional. Suppliers and workshops need a strong digital presence, clear service communication and the operational ability to fulfil orders efficiently.
Van Rensburg’s closing challenge to the industry was simple but urgent: the vehicle parc is evolving, and success will depend on a data-led approach that serves today’s market while preparing for tomorrow’s.
