Similarly, Technology, according to PwC may be the game changer helping to leapfrog the industry into a more favourable scenario. This is in line with the global trend in the auto industry which is currently experiencing change spurred by disruptive technology.
In its recently released Industry brief titled: “Africa’s Next Automotive Hub; Reality Check, PwC noted that despite the increased number of local vehicle assemblers, production has dropped by half due to the current economic climate.
[ad unit=2]
According to the report, assemblers are forced to source foreign exchange from the parallel market to pay for Semi-knocked down (SKD) kits, while limited players in the auxiliary industry keep local component content in production low and restricted to consumables.
While reduced vehicle demand has seen assemblers operating below capacity between 10 to 20 per cent, PwC noted that Nigeria’s automotive industry prospects remain centred around proper and timely implementation of the NAIDP and the introduction of a viable vehicle financing scheme.
The report however reiterated the need for key areas to be addressed for Nigeria to fully accomplish its potential of being Africa’s next automotive hub.
Some of these key actions are centred on continued policy support, better border control, emergence of auxiliary industries and building human capital for the sector.
Speaking on the report, Advisory Partner and Chief Economist, PwC Nigeria, Dr. Andrew S. Nevin, says: “Between 2014 and 2016, we have seen prices doubling resulting in over 60 per cent decrease in vehicle sales. This can be attributed to the new tariff regime coupled with the depreciation of the Naira. The auto industry like most other sectors relies heavily on imports for direct sales and assembly and even though cars and related components are not on the CBN’s forex 41 ban list, the difficulty of obtaining foreign exchange has led to increased prices and reduced consumer demand.
“In addition, we see corporates who are usually the largest buyers reducing or postponing purchases while individuals on the other hand have seen a sharp drop in their disposable incomes and are thus reducing their demand for cars. All of these have led to very slow growth in the sector.”
The Industry chief observed that the introduction of the NAIDP has seen to increased activity in local vehicle assembly with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) granting thirty five companies’ licenses to assemble/produce vehicles. Following this, several OEM representatives have begun plans to set up assembly operations to take advantage of the policy.
Despite the increased number of local vehicle assemblers however, production has dropped by half due to the current economic climate.
Assemblers are forced to source foreign exchange from the parallel market to pay for Semi-knocked down (SKD) kits. Limited players in the auxiliary industry keep local component content in production low and restricted to consumables. The reduced vehicle demand has seen assemblers operating below capacity (10% -20%).
Speaking on Technological impact on the industry, Nevin said: “Trends like driverless cars, electric powered cars and ride sharing are revolutionising the auto industry globally. In Nigeria, ride sharing apps such as Uber, EasyTaxi, GoMyWay and Jekalo have become quite popular. Already Uber has made over a million trips in Nigeria in the last two years. This trend could potentially fast -track Nigeria’s path to becoming an automotive hub potentially boosting sales of new and used vehicles as individuals take advantage of partnering with these companies to gain extra income.”
