The global automotive terminals and logistics provider have entered the South African market effective February 2023 through its South African subsidiary Horizon Auto Logistics Pty Ltd. The company is controlled by Horizon Global Holdings and the Sharaf Group, who have entered into a joint-venture agreement expanding the business in the Southern Hemisphere.

Although automotive assembly in South Africa dates back to the 1920s, the modern automotive industry was launched in 1995 and has since provided a large number of exports. Today, close to a million cars are built annually for both exports and the domestic market, in addition to annual imports of about 300,000 cars. Manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, Daimler, Nissan, GM and VW are all present with large scale production.

Says Per Folkesson, CEO of Horizon Auto Logistics; “We are excited to begin this journey on the African continent, a continent we have tremendous belief in. And what better country to launch this effort in, than South Africa! We see lots of potential for our innovative approach how to manage the automotive supply chains for finished vehicles, and our operating model syn3rgy360. The opportunity to work with the Sharaf Group is another incentive which motivates us, given their rich history in shipping and logistics”.

Says Salah Sharaf of the Sharaf Group; “The Sharaf Group of Companies have been in South Africa for almost three decades and is a key player within the Ro-Ro and terminal sector. In line with the Sharaf Group’s vision and drive for inland logistics, we are excited to partner with Horizon Auto Logistics in developing and providing value added services to the South African automotive industry”.

The company will initially focus on establishing their operating model from manufacturing through to seaports, and from seaports to dealer networks and end-buyers. Particularly the Control Tower concept which will greatly enhance customers’ ability to manage their supply chains in a cost-efficient manner, optimizing output and facilitating decision making to avoid disruptions.

Horizon Auto Logistics operates in 8 markets globally, employing 650 people and handles about 450,000 vehicles and 2,000 equipment’s annually. It provides complete supply chain services for finished vehicles, which includes vessel cargo-handling, port operations, yard operations and distribution centers, VPC and EPC (technical) services, inland transportation, distribution management and plant logistics.

For further information, please contact:

Per Folkesson, per.folkesson@horizonautologistics.com
Vitesh Ramphal, vitesh.ramphal@horizonautologistics.com