DaimlerChrysler opens new East London plant

IN A significant development for the Eastern Cape, last Thursday saw the official opening of DaimlerChrysler South Africa’s new plant for the production of the Mercedes Benz W 204 CClass series in East London. President Thabo Mbeki told guests at the event that government was committed to resolving issues delaying the mid-term review of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) as quickly as possible. He said that while the review was intended to evaluate the performance of the industry in relation to its objectives and to ensure that it remained globally competitive, it was also important to keep within the rules and agreements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).