Concern over possible car parts shortage

The concerns follow the Japanese disaster in March

VEHICLE financier WesBank, a division of FirstRand, has added its voice to growing concerns about the possible shortage of vehicle components and new vehicles in South Africa.

The concerns follow the Japanese disaster in March.

Executive head of sales and marketing at WesBank Chris de Kock said the issue of automotive stock and parts supply post the Japanese earthquake was yet to have a "marked impact" on the local motor industry.

WesBank's caution comes two days after the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa), the vehicle industry body, on Monday raised a similar alarm about component and vehicle shortages.

Naamsa said vehicle shortages could have a negative impact on local Japanese product producers and importers over the medium-term.

De Kock said data confirmed that it was a concern for dealers, with 8,2 percent of dealers citing stock supply as a factor likely to have an effect on future sales activity.