Fashion designer aims to launch SA’s first car brand
You might know Skinny Sbu Socks, but did you know the designer now plans to build cars?
Skinny Sbu, best known for his stylish sock line, has stepped into the automotive industry.
He began developing a locally designed and manufactured car brand in 2022.
SBU WANTS TO CREATE THE NATION’S FIRST CAR BRAND
South Africa’s century-old automotive industry stands on the brink of major transformation. For decades, the country has produced and assembled international car brands, but it has never introduced its own commercially viable brand. Sbu aims to change that with his SSS car brand.
SO, THERE ARE REALLY NO LOCAL CAR BRANDS AT ALL?
Commercially, South Africa hasn’t launched a major car brand, but a few niche manufacturers do exist.
For example, Birkin Cars has been building Lotus-inspired sports cars since the 1980s.
Bailey Cars specialises in hand-built replicas for overseas buyers, while Advanced Automotive Design (ADD) focuses on futuristic concept cars. With SSS Cars, Sbu may have found a wide-open lane to break into the market.
SBU GETS A PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT
Forbes 30-Under-30 honouree Sibusiso Ngwenya, fondly known as Sbu September, made waves in the fashion world early in his career with the launch of Skinny Sbu Socks.
His premium sock brand gained international recognition, landing him a feature on CNN and a spot in the 2022 Grammy Awards gift bag. Major retailers like The Foschini Group and Superbalist also stocked his products. When he announced plans to launch SSS Cars, his bold move into the automotive space earned praise from none other than President Cyril Ramaphosa.
SSS CARS AND THE FUTURE
Sbu’s automotive startup, SSS Cars, is looking to define what African luxury looks like on the roads. Since its inception in 2022, his company has quietly gone about creating its first lineup of premium vehicles. These are designed with a younger global demographic in mind, with a focus on style rather than legacy.
BLENDING HORSEPOWER AND HERITAGE
The young visionary hopes his cars will make as strong a cultural impact as his sock brand did. He is actively raising funds for SSS Cars, with the project expected to require more than R270 million to bring his dream to life. Through this bold move, he aims to position South Africa as a creator in the automotive world, not just an assembler.