
Written by Kholofelo Ngoepe, a student at the University of Johannesburg -
ZF Aftermarket, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, is making its mark across Africa by providing high-quality vehicle parts and building strong customer connections. With its advanced technology and commitment to innovation, the company is focused on helping African markets thrive.
“We are not just here to sell parts; we are here to make a difference by offering solutions that customers can rely on,” said Jacques van der Lely, Head of BL PC IAM at ZF Aftermarket.
The company supplies parts to the entire African continent, excluding North Africa, ensuring customers can access top-quality products.
This year, ZF Aftermarket showcased its products at Automechanika Johannesburg 2024, one of the most important events in the automotive industry. “Automechanika is a great platform for us to connect with customers, promote our brand and show the full range of parts we offer,” Van der Lely explained.
ZF produces parts for commercial, passenger, industrial and agriculture vehicles, attracting visitors’ and customers’ interest. “We were thrilled by how many people showed interest in our products. It shows that there’s a strong demand for reliable and high-performance parts in Africa,” he emphasised.

For ZF Aftermarket, the event is about showcasing products and learning from the industry. “We want to hear from our customers. Their feedback helps us improve and offer solutions that meet their needs,” Van der Lely shared.
The company hopes to use the insights gained at Automechanika to strengthen its presence in Africa. “We are here to build relationships and that means understanding what our customers want and working hard to deliver it,” he added.
As ZF Aftermarket looks ahead, the focus is on growth and expansion. “Our biggest highlight this year was the enthusiasm we saw for our products. But we know we can do more to reach even more customers,” said Van der Lely.
The company plans to invest more in events like Automechanika to spread awareness of its products and services. “We need to show people who we are and what we represent. Our goal is to grow our presence and build trust with our customers,” he concluded.
With a clear vision and dedication to quality, ZF Aftermarket is determined to lead the way in Africa’s original equipment manufacturing (OEM) industry. As Van der Lely pointed out: “We are not just providing parts; we’re building partnerships and high-quality and high-performance parts.”
ZF Aftermarket is committed to continue supplying customers with world-leading OE expertise, knowledge and innovation.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
More From News

3M Cubitron™ Abrasives: Faster Sanding for Modern Collision Repair
3M's Cubitron II and Cubitron 3 abrasive systems are designed to help collision repair workshops improve productivity, achieve consistent finishes and reduce sanding and grinding time across a range of repair applications.

Tiny Car Accessories, Serious Crash Risks
Decorative steering wheel accessories may appear harmless, but safety warnings and medical reports show they can become dangerous projectiles during airbag deployment, causing severe injuries in crashes.

South Africa’s AutoGas Sector Moves Into Focus With First Dedicated Industry Workshop
South Africa's first dedicated AutoGas Workshop will bring together industry stakeholders, technical professionals and fleet operators to explore the opportunities and challenges of LPG as a cleaner transport fuel.

Rising Vehicle Technology is Changing the Repair Landscape in South Africa
South Africa’s vehicle repair sector is facing increasing complexity as advanced driver assistance systems and digital technologies become standard across the car parc, reshaping workshop requirements and repair processes.

EU Backs Tougher Circular Economy Rules for Cars
The European Parliament has approved new circular economy regulations that will require vehicle manufacturers to improve recyclability, increase recycled material use and strengthen end-of-life vehicle responsibility.

Young Hyundai Technician Plays Key Role in Building Commercial Vehicles
Hyundai Automotive South Africa assembly technician Kwanele Sibisi has contributed to the production of more than 2,000 commercial vehicles, demonstrating the skill and dedication required in modern vehicle manufacturing.