Tata Motors returns to South Africa with first shipment of vehicles in six years

Indian multinational automotive group, Tata Motors, has sent its first shipment of nearly 500 vehicles to South Africa after a six-year long hiatus.

Earlier this week Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), a subsidiary of Tata Motors—India’s largest automotive manufacturer—announced that they had formally re-entered the South African passenger vehicle market.

Tata on Wednesday said that this strategic re-entry was underpinned by a strong alliance with Motus Holdings.

Shailesh Chandra, managing director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said that their return to South Africa marked a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ global journey.

“We are excited to bring our new-generation of vehicles—designed with cutting-edge technology, uncompromising safety, and modern design—to a market that values quality and innovation,” Chandra said.

“With Motus as our preferred partner, we are confident in delivering a superior ownership experience that resonates with South African consumers and contributes meaningfully to the local economy.”

Ockert Janse van Rensburg, Group CEO of Motus, said they were proud to partner with Tata Motors in reintroducing their passenger vehicle range to South Africa.

“With our deep-rooted expertise in distribution, retail, and aftersales, and Tata’s proven track record in engineering and innovation, we are poised to offer customers a choice of new-age vehicles with a compelling value proposition,” he said. 

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) on Wednesday confirmed receiving delivery of 485 vehicles at the Port of Durban through the SWAN ACE vessel.

TPT said that the delivery accentuated its ports as critical gateways linking international industries to local markets and enhances South Africa’s position in global trade routes.

“It is expected to boost regional automotive distribution networks and demonstrate Durban’s growing relevance as a preferred port for strategic international manufacturers.”

TPT added that the vessel, SWAN ACE, a 17-year-old cargo ship sailing under the Bahamas flag, berthed at the L&M berth, carrying a total consignment of 485 Tata vehicle units.

“This strategic achievement is demonstrative of the port’s position as a key gateway for automotive trade in the Southern African region while highlighting its capacity to diversify within the automotive portfolio.”

Earle Peters, managing executive at the Durban Terminals, said that Tata’s first shipment since 2019 through gave TNPA a great honour and encouraged a sense of continued commitment to delivering a world-class service that supports our customers and strengthens South Africa’s competitiveness.

TPT’s Durban Car Terminal is South Africa’s largest, with an annual throughput capacity of 520 000 fully built units.

Recent improvements at the port include the digital conversion of over 60% of the Durban Car Terminal’s parking bays, enhancing the movement of both imported and exported cars in a yard that parks over 12 500 at a time.

There has also been installation of high-tech bar-coded labels, which can be scanned using handheld devices for digital yard management, and daily integrated meetings with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other stakeholders.

“The terminal exports a total of seven models made in South Africa for 140 markets globally. Adding historic significance to this moment, the SWAN ACE was piloted into the Port of Durban by one of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) female marine pilots, Captain Camille Van Wyk, a proud reflection of TNPA’s commitment to gender transformation and operational excellence.”

BUSINESS REPORT