Sigma, The Retailer In South Africa

A wholesaler and automobile manufacturer from South Africa was called Sigma Motor Company. It was situated in Silverton, Pretoria, and ran under the Sigma moniker until 1985. 

Mazda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, and Citroen models of various makes were among the automobiles sold.

The Formation Of The Silverton Plant

Initially constructed in 1961 for Chrysler, the Silverton Assembly Plant produced Chrysler Valiants. It once went by the name Amcar and was in operation. In January 1983, Chrysler sold its 25% stake, leaving Anglo-American to maintain the remaining shares. In 1979, British Leyland's South African subsidiary briefly merged with Sigma, but the transaction failed almost quickly, putting Leyland South Africa without the need for a dealer network. Early in 1979, Sigma acquired Peugeot and Citroen South Africa (PACSA), moving French automobile production to its "Sigma Park" facility east of Pretoria. Sigma Leyland assembled the Mazda and Peugeot light businesses at Blackheath, Cape Town.

The Creation Of Regional Models

Sigma put a lot of work into creating regional models that were only offered locally. They created three of these cars during their first three years: the premium Chrysler L-series, the 2.6-liter Colt Galant, and the Mazda 323 GLC 1.6 with a Mitsubishi engine. Since the market was tiny and local content regulations prevented small production runs from becoming profitable, Sigma occasionally had to decide among Mitsubishi and Mazda goods. For instance, Sigma decided to construct the Colt Galant rather than the second-generation Mazda Capella; hence it was never marketed in South Africa.

The Import Of Vehicles

What vehicles were literally put together at the Silverton Car Factory is unknown. It's possible that some models were imported rather than constructed locally. Models that were for sale in 1982 included: By January 1984, further variations of the 323, L300, and B-Series models had been introduced to the lineup, along with the Mazda 626 and Mitsubishi Tredia vehicles (B2200). Peugeot was later dropped from the Canter trucks' badges in favor of Mitsubishi. The Mitsubishi Starion EX was released in May 1984 and cost R31,995.

The Amalgamation Of Sigma And Ford 

Sigma and Ford South Africa amalgamated in 1985 to form the South African Automobile Company (Pty) Ltd., or Samcor for short. Samcor continued to produce goods for Ford, Mazda, and Mitsubishi. Ford Motor Company acquired Samcor shares in 2000 and changed the business' name to Ford Motor Corporation of Southern Africa (FMCSA). FMCSA is still based at the same location in Silverton as of 2015.