2013 will see significant growth in vehicle exports.
That's the word from the president of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, David Powels who delivered the keynote address at the SA Automotive Week taking place in Nelson Mandela Bay.
He told conference delegates that as several manufacturers gear up for new model production, like Mercedes Benz's new C-Class, vehicle production is expected to be in the region of 361 000 units.
"There will be a strong growth in automotive exports from this year to next year. We are expecting the level of exports to grow roundabout 361 000 units which will represent close to 30% growth. You might ask how that is possible? I guess it is on the back of new export projects, we have the Ford Ranger which next year will have a full year effect and as you know from media reports, Mercedez and BMW are also wrapping up production of their 3-Series and C-class going ahead" Powels said
Meanwhile Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Mcebisi Jonas, says the next eight years will be a crucial period for the growth of the South African automotive industry.
Jonas was speaking at the opening of SA Automotive Week taking place in Nelson Mandela Bay from Wednesday.
The MEC told delegates that the Eastern Cape is looking to benefit from the Automotive Production and Development Plan which comes into effect in January 2013.
A key target of the APDP programme is to see motor vehicle production ramp up to 1.2 million units a year by 2020.
"The Automotive sector is now being seen as a sunrise sector on the back of recent investment and new models planned. The next 8 years will definitely be a crucial period for growth of the South African Automotive industry as it moves towards 1.2m production target" Jonas said.
