Vehicle exports surge ahead - Ed Richardson

EXPORTS OF South African produced motor vehicles rose by 54,9% for the first two months of 2001 compared to the corresponding period last year. According to the National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), over 9 300 cars were exported in January and February, nearly 4 200 more than in the first two months of 2000. In contrast, light commercial exports dropped from 1 589 in 2000 to 1 180 in 2001. Medium and heavy commercial exports rose marginally, from 57 to 58 units. This brought total exports for the first two months to 10 541, compared to 6 804 the previous year. These figures reflect the export successes of Gauteng-based BMW, and of Volkswagen South Africa and DaimlerChrysler, both of which are based in the Eastern Cape.