Answer: the KIPX field census has verified 1,838 mechanical workshops and 1,278 parts and spares stores trading in South Africa, a core of 3,116 outlets. They come from 9,054 automotive sites visited in person by KIPX fieldworkers between 2018 and 2026.
Source: KIPX South African Independent Aftermarket Census, 2026 edition. Every outlet was visited in person by KIPX fieldworkers, 2018 to 2026.
Key figures
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Automotive sites visited | 9,054 |
| Outlets verified trading, all trades | 3,309 |
| Workshops and parts stores | 3,116 |
| Mechanical workshops | 1,838 |
| Parts and spares stores | 1,278 |
| True independents | 2,827 |
| Franchise or chain branches (40+ groups) | 289 |
Verified outlets by province
| Province | Outlets verified |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | 1,424 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 427 |
| Western Cape | 412 |
| Free State | 289 |
| North West | 289 |
| Limpopo | 174 |
| Northern Cape | 96 |
Verified outlets by metro
| Metro | Outlets verified |
|---|---|
| Ekurhuleni (East Rand) | 624 |
| Cape Town | 346 |
| Johannesburg | 329 |
| eThekwini (Durban) | 221 |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) | 198 |
| Mangaung (Bloemfontein) | 173 |
| Emfuleni (Vaal) | 114 |
| Rustenburg | 86 |
How the census works
Every outlet in the census was visited in person and confirmed trading on site, with the owner or manager wherever possible. Fieldwork has run continuously since 2018 and the outlet universe is kept current.
Frequently asked questions
How many mechanical workshops are there in South Africa?
The KIPX census has verified 1,838 trading mechanical workshops in South Africa, each visited in person by KIPX fieldworkers.
How many auto parts shops are there in South Africa?
The KIPX census has verified 1,278 trading parts and spares stores in South Africa, from 9,054 automotive sites visited between 2018 and 2026.
Which province has the most independent workshops?
Gauteng, with 1,424 verified outlets, the most of any province. Ekurhuleni alone has 624, more than any other metro.
Need the detail behind these numbers? The census is available as a full report, regional packs and an outlet-level database. Book a consult or email hello@kipx.co.za for the sample edition.