The South African automotive industry is relevant globally as it supplies the local market and other European countries. The automotive industry in the country is experiencing disruption and is transitioning in different forms. This paper aims to explore the South African automotive market, focusing on the role of car manufacturers. Therefore, it investigates market characteristics, automotive sales and distribution, vehicle electrification and environmental sustainability, the implications of black empowerment for car manufacturers, and competitive dynamics in the South African automotive market. One issue car manufacturers face in the country is the need for market size. Export dependency is particularly challenging in times of a global pandemic.