SA heads world auto industry production growth

Ed Richardson SHIPPING COMPANIES are benefiting from accelerating South African vehicle exports Ð on both the incoming and outgoing routes. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), vehicle exports have grown from 8 976 in 1995 to an expected 124 500 this year. By 2004, the country is expected to be exporting 165 000 units. This growth puts South Africa at the head of the field Ð Naamsa says that, while world vehicle production declined by 3,9% in 2001, vehicle production in South Africa increased by 13,9%. South Africa's share of the world automotive market grew from 0,61% to 0,73% between 2001 and 2002. These exports have given South African manufacturers credits through which they can import fully built up vehicles at competitive prices. According to Naamsa, imports of fully built vehicles have grown from 22 305 in 1995 to an expected 72 000 this year. the projection for 2004 is 87 000. Both container and ro-ro operators are benefiting from the export growth. Container traffic is increasing due to the export and import of components. Most of the export-bound vehicles contain a high percentage of imported components. Component exports are being pursued aggressively by the vehicle manufacturers, as these also earn Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) credits. Air freight has also benefited through the export of high-value items like leather seat covers.