Strategies of light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa based on supply chain decision drivers

This article seeks to determine supply chain strategies of light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa based on the decision drivers. A descriptive research design was employed, based on a survey of light vehicle manufacturers. The results revealed that decision drivers such as production, inventory, location, information, transportation, sourcing, as well as pricing are vital in determining supply chain strategies. All of the light vehicle manufacturers employed lean supply chain strategy while few of the manufacturers employed agile supply chain strategy. There were mismatch between strategies and practices with regard to the decision drivers, and in some instances, the drivers were not always in line with the chosen supply chain strategy. It is therefore, imperative for South African supply chain managers to understand their customers' needs and implement the right decision drivers to ensure alignment with their chosen strategy for the supply chain in order to optimise competitive advantage.