TH Mqwathi, J.J. Prinsloo & T Pelser
Abstract
The South African Automotive Sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy and is linked to other financial and insurance sectors. This study aimed to examine the impact of disruptive events on the automotive sector’s sales performance. A qualitative research approach was applied to achieve the aim and objectives of this study. A critical literature review contributed to analyse and evaluate existing information concerning disruptive events. The empirical study was exploratory and descriptive and consisted of interviews with selected participants. The literature showed that, due to globalisation, disruptive events affect several global countries, regardless of whether the disruptive event is a pandemic caused by an infectious disease or an economic crisis. The automotive sector comprises various national and international industries co-dependency on manufacturing, assembling, supply chain, and sales. However, the literature shows that developing countries are more severely affected by disruptive events, compared to developed countries. The empirical study shows that salespeople are aware of the impact of disruptive events on the automotive sector and vehicle sales performance. Participants were highly experienced, with more than ten years of experience. The results show a need for flexibility. Salespeople view the impact of disruptive events on a broader scale to be cognisant of how the whole sector are affected.