E Cape scores plum catalytic converter contract

Ed Richardson EXPORTS OF catalytic converters from the Eastern Cape have been boosted through a R2,16-billion export order secured by Volkswagen South Africa. The contract is for the supply of catalytic converters for the new VW Polo in Europe over the next five years. The units are being made specifically for the 1.4l and 1.6l petrol-powered models which will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Volkswagen managing director Hans-Christian Maergner said the contract was unique as it was the first time that the company had been appointed the sole supplier of catalytic converters for a specific VW model on a worldwide basis. "South Africa's growing importance as a world centre of catalytic converter manufacture has enabled us to secure a significant export contract that will be used to offset the foreign exchange costs of bringing imported VW and Audi vehicles and CKD components into this country," said Maergner.