Motorists in South Africa are becoming increasingly more spoilt for choice, as a seemingly endless influx of brands creates greater diversity and puts greater pressure on the automotive repair industry.
The motor body repair sector is feeling this pressure the most, as complex consequences only begin to reveal themselves further down the automotive value chain.
As such, the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) has called for better alignment between industry stakeholders to address structural concerns.
It said there is a risk that ignoring these pressures may begin to undermine the sustainability of South Africa’s automotive repair ecosystem.
“This call is not about limiting competition or slowing market entry, but about ensuring that rapid growth is matched by systems capable of supporting it safely, efficiently and ethically,” said Juan Hanekom, SAMBRA national director.
Hanekom explained that the pressures arising from the existing structural misalignment are already visible across the broader motor industry.
An increase in competition, rising compliance costs and tight margins have contributed to restructuring and even retrenchment in upstream automotive sectors.
“Without proactive intervention, similar outcomes could emerge within the repair sector, which employs thousands of skilled artisans and plays a critical role in road safety,” he added.
SAMBRA proposed establishing an Industry Sustainability Forum, which will consist of itself, the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), and the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa).
Together, SAMBRA believes these organisations can address the challenges faced by the local autobody repair sector.
“Ensuring that the repair ecosystem evolves in step with brand diversification is not optional – it is essential,” says Hanekom.
He added that South Africa’s automotive sector has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the past, and that concerns aren’t a future risk, but a present challenge that requires coordinated leadership.
A changing environment
South Africa’s vehicle repair framework was originally developed in an era of limited brand representation and diversity and is not equipped to deal with the rise of new brands and imports.
Today’s expanding range of manufacturers each introduces its own unique repair methodologies, tool requirements, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approval criteria.
This is placing increased strain on South Africa’s unprepared vehicle repair ecosystem.
“Motor body repairers are required to comply with multiple, often overlapping OEM standards, while insurers must administer an ever-growing matrix of brand-specific approval requirements,” noted Hanekom.
“The result is an industry increasingly burdened by duplication, inconsistent criteria, and administrative inefficiencies – challenges that disproportionately affect independent and smaller repair businesses.”
He added that this increased complexity is stealing time and resources from correct, compliant repairs, as well as consumer protection.
The continued survival of safe and economically viable vehicle repair is carefully balanced on what is called the “sustainability triangle”, which is comprised of OEMs, motor body repairers and insurance providers.
Naamsa represents original equipment manufacturers and carmakers, which sets the repair specifications for different models.
Repairers, represented by SAMBRA, then carry the responsibility of executing repairs according to said specifications, paid for by insurance companies, represented by the SAIA.
This interdependent relationship can only function when all three parties are aligned, which means that any fragmentation places pressure on the entire system.
Hanekom explains that stakeholders are not competitors, but rather partners in a shared value chain withe a common responsibility to uphold safety, quality, and economic stability.
“This complexity carries real economic and social consequences,” he explained.
SAMBRA continues to advocate for a more standardised, streamlined approach that supports innovation while reducing unnecessary duplication and red tape.
“Standardisation does not dilute OEM integrity or compromise brand differentiation. On the contrary, it provides a consistent foundation upon which competition can thrive responsibly,” concluded Hanekom.
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