Ed Richardson SOUTH AFRICA'S role as a manufacturer and supplier of original equipment automotive components, after market parts and increasingly vehicles has been firmly established, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa). In its comment on exports during 2001 Naamsa says "supported by continued strong growth in exports of new cars, aggregate industry vehicle exports rose by 40 262 units or over 59% to 108 293 units in 2001 compared to 68 031 vehicle exports in 2000." These exports were worth R12,5 billion. Naamsa predicts new car exports of 124 500 in 2002, with total vehicle exports of 134 000 at an estimated value of R16-billion. New markets are opening up for South African vehicle manufacturers. Naamsa reports that it has received advice that the "auto" quota applicable to exports of South African produced vehicles to Taiwan has been increased from 2 640 units to 10 000 units a year effective from the beginning of 2002. Imports of motor vehicles into Taiwan under the quota will benefit from preferential duties. In a related development, China will reduce tariffs on automobile imports with effect from January 1, 2002 - in respect of passenger cars with engines of 3 litres or less - from 70 to 43.8%.
