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Franco Scribante returns to top step of the podium on Classic Car Friday in 1970 Chevron B19, earning the Classic Conqueror title for a record seventh time Outgoing champion Andre Bezuidenhout’s title defence faltered in all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout when the 1976 Lola T460 picked up gearbox trouble, with second place going to Charles Arton […]
Patel welcomes VW's R4 billion investment in SA
Volkswagen South Africa’s (VWSA) investment of R4 billion in their assembly plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, has been welcomed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel.
The investment will introduce a new SUV model built on the Polo platform.
The move also positions the facility as the sole manufacturer of the Polo brand globally and the new SUV model will be exported to global markets.
Patel addressed the public announcement on Wednesday held at VWSA’s facility in Kariega.
He said the investment was a testament to the country’s industrial policy, and it will not only strengthen the assembly plant but also secure the livelihoods of approximately 3 500 people who are directly employed by VWSA.
“Moreover, this investment has rippled through this part of the Eastern Cape, fostering an ecosystem of prosperity and industrialisation, supporting an estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and livelihoods.”
In the last five years, the department said government has undertaken significant work to bolster automotive production in South Africa.
Patel highlighted 10 actions, which have been taken in the sixth administration to support the industry:
• New Automotive Masterplan crafted together with the industry was implemented in July 2021, setting the policy framework for the next decade.
• The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has concluded modalities, including rules of origin for a first list of auto products, opening up a vast market.
• A free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom after Brexit was concluded and implemented, which enabled South Africa to retain access to preferential terms in the United Kingdom market.
• The establishment of the R6 billion Auto Industry Transformation Fund, which VWSA and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) contribute to bringing Black component manufacturers into the supply chain.
• A major agreement with tier 1 auto component manufacturers has been concluded that will ensure greater opportunities for Black manufacturers in tier 2 or tier 3 levels.
• R50 billion in investment commitments in the auto sector have been secured.
• A landmark agreement with Stellantis for the construction of a new R3 billion plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone has been reached.
• Semi-knocked down (SKD) production by BAIC, also in the Coega Special Economic Zone, has commenced as a first phase toward more value-additive complete knocked down (CKD) production.
• A new Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone has been established, with 10 factories for Ford suppliers already built by March 2024, employing 3 300 workers.
• The Electric Vehicle Policy was finalised by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), and a new incentive package to assist the transition was announced by the Minister of Finance in the 2024 Budget.
According to the department, the automotive industry plays a crucial role in our economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.
The manufacturing component of the auto industry contributed 2.9% of South Africa’s GDP in 2022.
With over 115 000 direct employees and an additional 240 000 indirect jobs, the department said the auto industry remains a cornerstone of South Africa's manufacturing sector.
“Despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, South Africa’s automotive industry has continued to grow.”
Over the past five calendar years, South African OEMs produced 2.7 million vehicles and exported 1.7 million vehicles.
In 2023, South Africa exported a record 399 594 vehicles, a milestone for its industrial resilience and global competitiveness.
Notably, last year, South Africa exported its six millionth vehicle since the start of the democratic era. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 11:14
Five-time King of the Hill winner and reigning champion Franco Scribante to face intense onslaught once again from rivals, including 2023 runner-up Reghard Roets Addition of new class for street-legal tuned or modified cars further broadens the appeal and interest in this thrilling event 14th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place in Knysna from […]
Patel completes working visit to China
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and a high-level delegation have completed a four-day working visit to Shanghai, Nanjing and Beijing to meet with government officials, investors and a number of Chinese electric vehicles and battery manufacturers.
Patel was hosted by his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, the Chinese Minister of Commerce, at a bilateral meeting and working dinner during the visit.
The discussion reviewed trade relations and considered steps taken to implement agreements signed during President Xi Jinping’s State Visit in August 2023. New opportunities were also identified to strengthen economic ties. The leaders also discussed a possible Memorandum of Understanding on the automotive industry.
During his visit, Patel held bilateral meetings with eight Chinese companies, met six South African companies operating in China and undertook two factory site visits.
The SA delegation met with six potential Chinese investors in the electric vehicle value chain. Four are vehicle manufacturers, namely the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC), BYD Auto Manufacturers (the world’s largest electric vehicle producer), Foton Group and Beijing Automotive Industrial Group (BAIC).
The meetings were held with two battery producers: CATL - the world’s largest battery producer, and Gotion Hi-Tech International, who have a partnership with Volkswagen.
“The investors we met were very interested in the market particularly with commencement of trade by South Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (the AfCFTA).
“I found them knowledgeable about local market conditions and keen to explore investment partnerships. This builds on positive sentiment we found in September last year in New York among American investors too,” Patel said.
China is the world’s leading producer of electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. The visit provided Patel with an opportunity to present the South African automotive value proposition and government policy support to companies looking to invest in the South African automotive industry, particularly in EV manufacturing.
The SA automotive industry is supported by stable long-term policies, such as the South African Automotive Master Plan (SAAM) 2035 and a government support package for capital investment, and vehicle and component production.
The South African government released the Electric Vehicle White Paper in December last year. The paper outlines the country’s approach to supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicle production for the export and domestic market.
As part of the support for the transition, government has improved the automotive industry incentive package for electric vehicle production in South Africa. This includes increased investment support through a recently-announced tax measure.
The support from government ensures South Africa can compete in attracting vital investment into the industry that will facilitate the transition of this well-established sector to new energy vehicles. Access to export markets makes South Africa a more attractive investment destination.
Minister Patel also met investors in the steel and energy sectors and discussed their plans for the SA market.
The Minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the dtic.
China is currently South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade estimated at $34 billion (R556 billion) in 2022. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:08
Castrol celebrates fifth year as official lubricants partner of Simola Hillclimb Suzuki Auto South Africa enters fourth year in 2024, continues as Tier 1 sponsor Volkswagen’s second year as Tier 2 sponsor, will feature ex-WRX Polo again Other key sponsors include Hyundai, XPEL and PG Glass 14th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place […]
In the world of automobiles, maintaining and servicing your vehicle is of paramount importance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Whether you’re a proud owner of an Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Range Rover, Renault, Smart, Toyota, or Volkswagen (VW), having access to reliable repair, mechanic, and …
The Volkswagen brand is preparing its Germany-based production network for the future. At a meeting today, the Group Board of Management informed the Supervisory Board of the Volkswagen Group about its vehicle allocation plans for the brand through 2028. In taking this step, the company has set its sites up for profitable capacity utilization and …
Connecting tomorrow’s PR professionals with today’s industry leaders The future of Public Relations (PR) in the Eastern Cape is getting brighter. The Department of Media and Communication will host an event on Friday, September 29 at the Nelson Mandela University’s Indoor Sport Centre, aimed to connect PR students with established industry professionals. Nelson Mandela University’s …
Ahead of the official media unveiling, Volkswagen this morning presented the new Tiguan1 to some 10,000 employees at the works meeting at the Wolfsburg plant. The Tiguan is one of the most successful Volkswagen models of the present day and is therefore of particular importance to the company: Since it went on sale in 2007, …
Crackdown on crime pays off in the Eastern Cape
Nelson Mandela Bay District SAPS Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, has commended the men and women in blue following significant arrests and confiscations that were recently made.
In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape said the relentless crackdown on criminals sends a strong message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.
This as SAPS Humewood arrested a 20-year-old suspect allegedly involved in a business robbery at 12:06 in Govan Mbeki Street. It is alleged that the complainant was in the shop when the suspect entered and threatened him and demanded money. The complainant scuffled with the suspect and managed to apprehend him and confiscated a replica firearm. The suspect was arrested on charges of business robbery.
In another unrelated matter on Wednesday, near Truckers Inn, Public Order Policing were performing crime prevention duties when they noticed a suspect standing nearby. Upon being searched, the suspect was found in possession of a silver revolver (serial number filed off) with six rounds of ammunition. The 25-year-old was detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
On Thursday night, police arrested two suspects involved in a house robbery in Perridgevale. It is alleged that the suspects entered a residence occupied by students in Haven Road and stole four cell phones and fled the scene in a blue Volkswagen Golf.
SAPS Mount Road members received information that the blue VW Golf was driving in Sydenham. Suspects were found in Milner Street. The two suspects aged 21 and 22 years were arrested.
On Friday, the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a house in Bowles Street in Bloemenda. A revolver with its serial number filed off and eight rounds of ammunition were found. A 32-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
A firearm of which the serial number was filed off, was found when police responded to a complaint in Chase Street, Walmer Location. In addition, 82 rounds of ammunition were found at the scene and confiscated.
The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and Illegal possession of ammunition.
Some of the suspects that were arrested over the course of last week have already appeared in court while others are expected to appear in various courts today, 28 August 2023.
“We are committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our citizens. Your actions would not go unchecked,” Ncata said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 10:50
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