The South African automotive industry is considered one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing sectors within the country. However, the extent to which Industry 4.0 and Lean 4.0 principles have been implemented remains uncertain. This study presents a systematic literature review aimed at determining the current level of Industry 4.0 implementation within the South African automotive industry and identifying the primary benefits, barriers and drivers influencing its adoption. A structured review methodology was applied using Scopus, Web of Science and IEEE Xplore databases. An initial 36 articles were identified and reduced to 18 relevant peer-reviewed studies following defined inclusion, exclusion and quality assessment criteria. The literature was analysed to classify the degree of implementation and extract recurring themes. The findings indicate a medium level of implementation, characterised by emerging and partial adoption with isolated advanced applications rather than full integration. Productivity, profitability and quality improvement are the most cited benefits. Key barriers include skills gaps, high investment costs and worker resistance. Adoption is primarily driven by competitive pressure and global value chain alignment. Overall, implementation is incremental and business-driven rather than strategically integrated.

Keywords

South African automotive industry, Industry 4.0, Lean, 4IR, Fourth Industrial Revolution