Goodyear
Cash-strapped motorists and taxi operators may have to fork out up to 41% more for tyres should an application by the country's four largest domestic manufacturers be approved.
Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Sumitomo, collectively known as the SA Tyre Manufacturers Conference, have applied for new duties to be imposed on tyres imported from China.
But, according to Charl de Villiers, the chairperson of the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa, if the Manufacturers' application is approved, it will see the cost of transport and goods skyrocket.
He said taxi operators would be worst affected.
"If this application is successful, motorists will see the cost of tyres increase by a hefty 40%, trucks and buses [by] 17% and taxis, that will hardest hit, will see an increase of 41% in the cost of tyres.
"The sad reality is that while this application makes no sense at all, it will, if successful, add a significant cost burden to motorists, taxi and bus operators and trucking and logistics companies," added De Villiers.
"And even more concerning is those vehicle owners, when faced with such dramatic cost increases, may trade down to second-hand tyres or simply delay replacing their tyres.
"Which places every road user at greater risk of accidents."
National Taxi Alliance spokesperson Theo Malele said the effect on commuters would be dire.
"Our message to the government is that they should be looking at every way possible to arrest the surging cost of transport," said Malele.
"If tyres go up by 41% it will have a devastating impact on our sector… Millions of commuters already spend more than 50% of their wages on transport - they can't take it anymore."
