Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS)

Applicants must meet the applicable AIS criteria, be B-BBEE compliant under the AIS guidelines and follow sector legislation.

Always open Incentive

You can apply at any time There is no closing date. Apply through the official channel below.

About

AIS supports investment in new or replacement automotive models and components to increase production, sustain employment and strengthen the automotive value chain. It offers grants for qualifying productive assets to eligible vehicle manufacturers, component manufacturers and tooling companies. Component manufacturers and tooling companies may also claim support for competitiveness improvements.

What it covers

A non-taxable cash grant of 20% of qualifying productive-asset investment for OEMs and 25% for component manufacturers and tooling companies; competitiveness improvement grants are capped at R1 million per entity per two-year cycle.

Qualifying productive assets for OEMs
Qualifying productive assets for component manufacturers and tooling companies
Competitiveness improvement costs, including process, product, quality-standard and related skills-development improvements through business development service

Who can apply

New light motor vehicle OEMs must reach at least 50,000 units per plant annually within 24 months after the anticipated start of production and maintain that volume through the claim cycle.

Existing light motor vehicle OEMs must reach at least 50,000 units per plant annually; the volume must be reached within 24 months after the anticipated start of production and maintained through the claim cycle.

Component or deemed component manufacturers must have a contract award or letter of intent to supply components directly into an OEM supply chain locally or internationally.

Component or deemed component manufacturers must have OEM supply-chain turnover of at least 25% of total entity turnover, or R10 million in annual project OEM supply-chain invoicing.

Competitiveness improvement costs must be incurred within the first two years after production starts.

Competitiveness improvement applications are limited to two per two-year cycle.

Applicants must be B-BBEE compliant under the applicable AIS guidelines and comply with sector legislation.

Documents to prepare

AIS Component or Deemed Component Manufacturer Application Form

AIS Light Motor Vehicle Manufacturer Application Form

AIS Light Motor Vehicle Manufacturer Claim Form

AIS Component Manufacturer Claim Form

Declaration by Consultant and Applicant

Competitiveness improvements claim form

Both component claim form

Factual Findings Report for components and competitiveness improvements

Declaration to act as consultant form

Credit order form

How to apply

1Complete the applicable AIS application form.
2Submit the application to AISapps@thedtic.gov.za.

Sources

Official sourcethe dticVisit the official website for the latest information.

Checked against www.thedtic.gov.za on 23 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.