It is a tough start to the year for Motus employees, with 86 being retrenched from the JSE-listed automotive company. Additionally, 579 employees face significant changes to their remuneration and benefit structures. The group, which employs 20,000 people globally and 13,000 in South Africa, imports major brands such as Hyundai, Tata, Kia, and Mitsubishi—all of which have been struggling due to the surge in affordable Chinese vehicle imports. Tehilla Niselow spoke to Sonja Carstens, spokesperson for the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), about the impact on the sector.