Written by Rivaldo Jantjies, a student at the University of Witwatersrand -
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), a 119-year-old authority in South Africa's automotive aftermarket sector, has been at the forefront of adapting to new challenges and innovations. Attie Serfontein, National Director of the Automotive Remanufacturers Association (ARA) under the RMI umbrella, recently shared insights into the transformative work being undertaken in the field of alternative energy vehicles.
The Retail Motor Industry (RMI), a complex sector with eight sub-sectors, is a vital component of South Africa's automotive industry. This sector collectively addresses various aspects of the aftermarket. A noteworthy collaboration between the Automobile Association (AA) and the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) aims to promote gas conversions for vehicles, driving innovation and sustainability within the industry.
“This project started as an exploration into new energy vehicles (NEVs),” explains Serfontein. “Today, it’s an established movement addressing LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), CNG (compressed natural gas), hydrogen and even electric vehicles. The gas conversion initiative is particularly significant for its economic and environmental benefits.”
As RMI approaches its 120th anniversary, the organisation reflects on its rich history and looks to the future. Initiatives like gas conversions, led by RMI and ARA, are driving the adoption of greener energy and providing South Africans with affordable, sustainable mobility solutions.
