Ford makes E Cape its export hub

Ed Richardson Exports of catalytic converters made in Port Elizabeth have helped the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa to win the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry's top award in the Services Category of the Gauteng 2002 Export of the Year Contest. Catalytic converters are currently the main commodity being exported by the company to Ford plants all over Europe, North America and other emerging markets. One hundred per cent of production is in Port Elizabeth, according to company spokesman Craig von Essen. The city is also home to Ford's RoCam engine export project, which is ramping up to provide 1000 engines a day to Ford plants around the world. Ford is responsible for 36% of total catalytic converter export volumes out of South Africa with its primary market being Germany. During 2001, catalytic converter exports out of SA were R8.9 billion with R2.8 billion being exported by Ford's South African operation. This is equivalent to 90% of Ford Europe's and 10% of Ford North America's requirements. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa's current component export revenue is projected at 45% of its total revenue, having significantly grown from R0.05 billion in 1994 to R3.2 billion in 2001.