Naamsa confident that revised MIDP will achieve its objectives

IN AN outspoken comment to FTW, Nico Vermeulen, director of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa), hit out at a national press report which he said did not represent the official views of the industry. This followed a report in a national daily that slammed what it termed the “architecture” of the revised motor industry development programme (MIDP), and quoted “one insider” saying the latest draft was “WTO compatible, but does not support industry”. It also said it “understood” that “virtually all segments of industry are unhappy with the new structure”. It’s too early to say that, according to Vermeulen. “There is to be an announcement in August, but we don’t know what is to be said,” he told FTW. He did however note that carmakers approached by the newspaper refused to comment – and only a “source” was quoted. That, Vermeulen added, fulfilled the industry’s deal with the department of trade and industry. “We basically reached an understanding with the DTI that neither members of the industry nor government would comment until the draft of the MIDP was finalised.” And he felt that the revised MIDP would achieve its objectives. “I think it will be adequate to sustain a growing industry in SA, and believe that the government’s expectations will be achieved.” The new MIDP will be in effect from 2013 to 2020.