Manufacturing: automotive

Panelbeaters and mechanics are to get better access to markets.

and growing its local operations, which employ about 850 people, pictured. This is a part of a bigger investment which includes the vehicle assembly operations in Gauteng.

An Aftermarket Programme has been introduced to assist independent mechanics and panelbeaters to get better access to the budgets spent annually by the insurance industry, estimated to be in the region of R40-billion, and the national government automotive fleet (R100-million).

The scheme, to be run by the Automotive Industry Development Centre – EC (AIDC-EC), will be offered to 300 operators in the province for a three-year period in which training and funding will be highlighted.

The Provincial Government of the Eastern Cape has announced that it intends partnering with the private sector to establish a Component Supplier Development Fund to expand access to finance for smaller enterprises.

Another task of the AIDC-EC is to prepare the province for the introduction of electric vehicles. This entails promoting renewable energy projects within the sector, rolling out skills programmes to assist with the transition to new technologies and installing electric-vehicle-charging stations on major routes.

Ford Motor Company has initiated discussions about the feasibility of developing a sophisticated rail corridor between Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. The company wants to send parts to Pretoria and export cars through the Port of Gqeberha.

Ford makes engines for the Ford Ranger pickup and Everest SUV at its Struandale plant and it has committed to invest R600-million for modernising

Automotive Business Council: www.naamsa.net

Automotive Industry Development Centre: www.aidc.co.za

Coega Development Corporation: www.coega.co.za

Eastern Cape Development Corporation: www.ecdc.co.za

National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers: naacam.org.za

The 520 963m² Kariega facility of Volkswagen South Africa is one of four plants worldwide that makes right-handdrive Polos but the only one in the world that makes the Polo GTI.

Both the Coega Special Economic Zone and the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) have areas dedicated to automotive and automotive components manufacture.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s new C-Class project (W206) has sparked several other related investments, which collectively will create 2 078 new jobs over two years.

The production of the C-Class vehicle is a technological marvel and the plant regularly wins international awards for quality. The installation of a new sequencing centre, installed by Automotive Logistics Solutions (an AHI company), has made the assembly line even more efficient.

Home-grown manufacturer of powertrain and catalytic converter assembly systems, Jendamark, exports to 18 countries. Continental Tyre South Africa is producing a 19-inch tyre for the first time at its New Brighton facility in Port Elizabeth. Isuzu SA has completed its consolidation project, with truck and bakkie manufacturing now taking place at its new headquarters in Struandale, Port Elizabeth. ■