naamsa | The Automotive Business Council

What naamsa | The Automotive Business Council does

naamsa | The Automotive Business Council is the official trade association for the South African automotive industry, founded in 1935 and headquartered in Pretoria, Gauteng. Operating as a non-profit membership organization with 14 employees, it represents all 48 vehicle brands active in South Africa as Full Members, alongside a broader Associate Member base of component manufacturers and an Industry Partner network spanning financial services, media, logistics, and consulting firms. Its core products are institutional rather than commercial: the Member Lounge portal, the Autolytics Bank data and analytics platform, the National Register-ISP, the annual Automotive Trade Manual and State of the Auto Industry Report, and skills programmes delivered through the naamsa DREAMS Academy.

The organization generates revenue through annual membership subscription fees across its three tiers and through tiered event sponsorship of South African Auto Week (SAAW), the Accelerator Awards, and the Captains of Industry Gala Dinner. As the recognized intermediary between the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the automotive sector, naamsa administers the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS) and APDP programmes, and represents the industry in international fora including OICA, the WTO, and SACU. Its go-to-market is sales-led and event-driven: recruiting and retaining OEM Full Members while deepening Industry Partner sponsorship of its annual convening platforms, with multi-tier packages (Anchor, Headline, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Mobility) now monetizing SA Auto Week. The current CEO is Mikel Mabasa and the President is Billy Tom.

Name

naamsa | The Automotive Business Council

Legal name

naamsa | The Automotive Business Council

Website

https://naamsa.co.za

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

naamsa is the official South African automotive industry trade association, representing all 48 vehicle brands plus component suppliers and industry partners through tiered membership, industry data platforms, and annual events including SA Auto Week.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

South Africa

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: naamsa generates revenue through annual membership fees paid by Full Members (vehicle OEMs), Associate Members (automotive component suppliers and service providers), and Industry Partners. Members gain access to the Member Lounge portal, Autolytics Bank data platform, National Register-ISP, industry reports, and exclusive networking events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

naamsa | The Automotive Business Council is a non-profit trade association representing the South African automotive industry, providing policy advocacy with government, industry data and statistics (Autolytics Bank, monthly sales reports, annual State of the Auto Industry reports), administration of the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS) on behalf of DTIC, and premier networking events (SA Auto Week, Accelerator Awards, Captains of Industry Gala Dinner). Members access the Member Lounge portal and National Register-ISP registry service, and the organization drives skills development through the naamsa DREAMS Academy.

Product overview

naamsa | The Automotive Business Council is the official trade association for the South African automotive industry. The organization provides a unified platform of products and services centered on industry data, research, and market intelligence. Core offerings include the Member Lounge portal for member-exclusive access, the Autolytics Bank analytics dashboard for industry data, and the National Register-ISP registry service. The organization publishes the annual Automotive Trade Manual and State of the Auto Industry Report. Annual signature events include the South African Auto Week (SAAW), Accelerator Awards, and Captains of Industry Gala Dinner. Supporting programs include the naamsa DREAMS Academy for skills development, Auto Masterclasses, and Thought Leadership Roundtables.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Member Lounge Secure online portal providing naamsa members with access to member-exclusive resources, industry data, reports, tools, and services.
• Autolytics Bank Online analytics data platform providing automotive industry statistics, vehicle sales data, production data, export/import figures, and market intelligence to naamsa members.
• National Register-ISP National registry service for automotive industry participants, providing regulatory and membership information for industry stakeholders.
• naamsa DREAMS Academy Skills development and enterprise development training initiative for the South African automotive industry workforce, supporting transformation and capacity building.
• Automotive Trade Manual Annual publication providing a comprehensive overview of South African automotive export and import performance, top trading partners, trade blocs, and growth markets under the APDP framework.
• State of the Auto Industry Report Annual comprehensive overview report of the South African automotive industry, tracing the sector's heritage, achievements, transformations, and economic impact.
• South African Auto Week (SAAW) Annual premium networking and thought leadership conference bringing together global automotive OEMs, component manufacturers, regulators, policy makers, international investors, and pan-African auto leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• R16.937 billion in taxes and duties paid by seven OEMs to the South African Fiscus in 2023, demonstrating the industry's economic contribution.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Eastern Cape Provincial Government (Partner Province of SA Auto Week 2025)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The Eastern Cape Province served as the Partner Province for SA Auto Week 2025, held 1-3 October 2025 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The province is home to major automotive manufacturing facilities including the Volkswagen Group plant in Gqeberha and component manufacturers.
• ELIDZ (East London Industrial Development Zone)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025naamsa collaborated with ELIDZ to host a Thought Leadership Roundtable Discussion on 28 August 2025 at the East London Industrial Development Zone. The session focused on 'South African Inc. amidst Geopolitical Tensions' ahead of SA Auto Week 2025.
• WesBankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 2024WesBank served as the title sponsor (Powered by WesBank) of the naamsa Accelerator Awards 2024. WesBank is a South African financial services company specializing in vehicle and asset finance. The partnership provides brand visibility at one of the industry's most prestigious awards ceremonies.
• AbsacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 October 2024Absa partnered with naamsa for the fourth consecutive year as the partner for the Captains of Industry Gala Dinner 2024. Absa is a major South African financial services group. The partnership delivers exclusive executive networking at the automotive industry's premier leadership event.
• Absa (SA Auto Week 2024 Anchor Partner)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Absa served as an Anchor Partner for SA Auto Week 2024, held 15-18 October 2024. Anchor Partners represent the highest tier of event sponsorship, providing significant brand presence across all conference activities.
• Accenture (SA Auto Week 2024 Anchor Partner)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Accenture served as an Anchor Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. Accenture provides consulting and professional services globally. At SA Auto Week, Accenture contributed thought leadership on new energy vehicles, emerging battery technology, and digital transformation in the automotive sector.
• AIDC (Automotive Industry Development Centre)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024AIDC served as an Anchor Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. AIDC is a government-supported organization that promotes automotive industry development in South Africa, working closely with naamsa on supplier development and localisation programmes.
• AutoFundcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024AutoFund served as an Anchor Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. AutoFund is a South African automotive finance company providing wholesale and retail financing solutions to vehicle dealers.
• TASEZ (Transnet Automotive Special Economic Zone)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024TASEZ served as an Anchor Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. TASEZ is a Special Economic Zone focused on automotive logistics and manufacturing at the Port of Durban, supporting automotive export and import efficiency.
• TransUnion (SA Auto Week 2024 Headline Partner)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024TransUnion served as Headline Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. TransUnion provides vehicle and credit data solutions. At SA Auto Week 2025, TransUnion contributed a presentation on 'Mobility Inclusion | Unlocking new segments and managing risk' by Weihan Sun, Principal, Research and Consulting APAC.
• NAACAM (National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024NAACAM is a collaborating partner in SA Auto Week activities. NAACAM represents automotive component manufacturers in South Africa and works with naamsa on supplier development, localisation, and industry events.
• KPMG (SA Auto Week 2024 Silver Package Partner)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024KPMG served as a Silver Package Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. KPMG provides professional services including tax, audit, and advisory services to the automotive sector.
• Nedbank (SA Auto Week 2024 Platinum Package Partner)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Nedbank served as a Platinum Package Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. Nedbank is a major South African bank providing corporate and investment banking services to the automotive industry.
• IDC (Industrial Development Corporation - SA Auto Week 2024 Platinum Package Partner)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024IDC served as a Platinum Package Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. The IDC is a South African state-owned development finance institution that provides financing to industrial development projects, including automotive manufacturing.
• AIDC (Automotive Industry Development Centre - SA Auto Week 2024 Platinum Package Partner)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024AIDC also served as a Platinum Package Partner in the SA Auto Week 2024 partner tiering. AIDC supports automotive supplier development, tooling centres, and skills development programmes in South Africa.
• VodacommajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Vodacom served as a Gold Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. Vodacom is a major South African telecommunications company providing connectivity and digital solutions, increasingly relevant for connected vehicle and EV infrastructure discussions.
• KeyloopmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Keyloop served as a Gold Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. Keyloop provides automotive technology solutions for dealer management, customer engagement, and vehicle finance.
• LightstonemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Lightstone served as a Gold Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. Lightstone provides automotive data and analytics solutions in South Africa, covering vehicle valuations, market data, and consumer insights.
• AutotradermajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Autotrader served as a Silver Package Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. Autotrader is South Africa's leading online automotive marketplace, providing vehicle buying and selling platforms for consumers and dealers.
• TransnetmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Transnet served as a Silver Package Partner for SA Auto Week 2024. Transnet is South Africa's state-owned rail and port logistics company, critical for automotive export logistics through ports of Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town.
• PwCmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024PwC served as a Strategic Partner for SA Auto Week 2022. PwC provides consulting, advisory, and audit services to the automotive industry, contributing thought leadership on industry transformation and economics.
• OICA (International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022naamsa hosted the OICA General Assembly and Council meeting in Johannesburg during SA Auto Week 2022. OICA is the global body representing the automotive industry at the international level, making this a significant international partnership for naamsa and South Africa.
• SACU (Southern African Customs Union)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022naamsa works closely with SACU, which comprises Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, and Namibia. SACU negotiates all trade agreements as a bloc on behalf of member states. naamsa benefits from SACU's free trade agreements with the EU, UK, EFTA, and its preferential trade arrangements with Mercosur and the US under AGOA.
• WTO (World Trade Organisation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth Africa is a member of the 164-member WTO. naamsa supports and advocates for a rules-based multilateral trading system where independent arbitration resolves disputes. The WTO serves as the most influential external force for reform of trade policy affecting the South African automotive industry.
• DTIC (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partnernaamsa works with the DTIC to administer the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS), the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP), and APDP Phase 2 (APDP2). The DTIC sets automotive policy and provides investment incentives, while naamsa serves as the industry's representative body in these programmes.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ANFAVEA (Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores): Brazilian automotive industry trade association representing vehicle manufacturers in another major emerging-market automotive hub. Comparable structure to naamsa — membership-funded, publishes authoritative sales/production data, and engages with government on industrial policy. Mercosur connects both countries' automotive trade, making ANFAVEA a natural regional counterpart.
• NAACAM (National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers): National trade association representing automotive component manufacturers in South Africa. Closest direct peer — operates alongside naamsa in the SA automotive value chain, with overlapping membership and co-hosting of SA Auto Week. Comparable in structure (industry body, membership-funded, advocacy) and is naamsa's main collaborating partner on supplier development.
• FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries): Australian automotive industry trade association representing OEMs and component suppliers. Comparable structure to naamsa as a national peak body for automotive manufacturers, with membership dues, government advocacy, data publishing, and industry events. Many of the same OEMs (Toyota, VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) are members of both.

Broad incumbents

• OICA (International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers): Global trade association of motor vehicle manufacturers, headquartered in Paris. naamsa is the South African member through its OEM constituents and hosted the OICA General Assembly in 2022. OICA is the international counterpart that naamsa feeds into and draws authority from.
• VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie): German automotive industry association representing global OEMs (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW) that are also naamsa members. VDA is structurally identical to naamsa but operates at far greater scale, handling industrial policy, trade fairs (IAA), and data services for the German automotive sector. Comparable as a model for what a mature national automotive association looks like.
• SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders): UK trade association for the automotive industry, providing data, policy advocacy, and industry events. Comparable structure to naamsa — membership-funded, publishes authoritative industry data, and operates as the unified voice of UK OEMs. Several naamsa members (BMW, Nissan, VW) operate in both jurisdictions.
• CCFA (Comité des Constructeurs Français d'Automobiles): French automotive industry committee representing OEMs in France. Structurally similar to naamsa as a national industry body, and the EU trade agreement that naamsa advocates for is negotiated with EU countries whose OEM associations include CCFA. Stellantis, a major naamsa Full Member, is a French-origin OEM.
• Alliance for Automotive Innovation: US automotive innovation trade association representing OEMs and major suppliers. Comparable to naamsa in representing OEM interests on policy, technology, and trade. Many naamsa members (Toyota, Ford, VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis) operate US market through Alliance for Automotive Innovation member companies.
• JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association): Japanese automotive industry association representing Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and other OEMs active in South Africa. Structurally comparable to naamsa as a national OEM trade body with extensive data publishing and policy advocacy roles. Several JAMA members are also naamsa Full Members.

Others

• DTIC (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition): South African government department that administers the AIS and APDP through naamsa. Not a competitor but a strategic counterparty whose relationship with naamsa is the source of the association's regulatory moat. Comparable in that both are institutional stakeholders in the SA automotive sector, with the DTIC shaping policy that naamsa implements.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/naamsa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about naamsa | The Automotive Business Council