The Durban shoreline isn’t just about beaches and sunshine anymore — it’s now home to the largest vehicle assembly operation by one of South Africa’s most popular car brands.
Mahindra South Africa has officially thrown open the doors to its brand-new assembly plant, marking a bold step forward for the country’s automotive sector.
A Grand Launch in the Heart of KwaZulu-Natal
On 12 August, Mahindra celebrated the inauguration of its state-of-the-art facility at Durban’s Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
This isn’t just another factory — it’s a game-changing investment that significantly expands local car manufacturing capabilities.
From Semi-Built to Full-Scale Production
Previously, Mahindra’s Durban site operated under a semi-knocked-down (SKD) system, meaning cars arrived partially built and were completed locally.
Now, the new plant allows for full “nuts-and-bolts” assembly, giving the popular Pik Up range — both single- and double-cab versions — a completely homegrown touch.
Built for Growth and Innovation
With the capacity to assemble more than 1,000 vehicles each month, this facility isn’t just about meeting today’s demand.
It’s been designed for the future, offering flexibility to introduce new models and increase the use of locally sourced components.
That means more opportunities for South African suppliers and a stronger local economy.
Leaders Celebrate a Milestone Moment
The grand opening brought together key figures, including eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development Musa Zondi, and Mahindra South Africa CEO Rajesh Gupta.
Mayor Xaba called the plant a “new chapter” for local manufacturing, especially in the automotive industry.
Two Decades and Counting in South Africa
This milestone also comes as Mahindra enters its third decade in the South African market — a sign of the brand’s commitment to staying and growing in the region.
From its first assembly site in 2018 to this impressive new facility, the company’s local journey is accelerating fast.