Is Mercedes-Benz throwing in the towel?

Mercedes-Benz is apparently done with South Africa. Who wouldn't be, right? I mean, who needs a country with a struggling economy, crippling tariffs, and a general sense of "meh" towards the automotive industry?

The US tariffs and the demise of AGOA have finally taken their toll on the auto sector, and Mercedes-Benz is left scratching its head, wondering why it ever bothered with South Africa in the first place. Newsflash: it's not like the country has been a thriving hub of economic activity or anything.

The brand is "mulling options" for its South African operations, which is corporate speak for "we're about to bail on this sinking ship." And who can blame them? Why would anyone want to invest in a country that's more interested in shooting itself in the foot than actually growing its economy?

So, what's next for Mercedes-Benz? Will it join the ranks of other companies that have abandoned ship, or will it find a way to magically make South Africa work? Only time will tell, but let's be real, we're not holding our breath. South Africa, it seems, is just too much hard work. But we still love it here!

Local really is lekker!