The Nelson Mandela Metro, in conjunction with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), is to establish a new web-based online data base for the region’s motor industry.

The database, according to Eddie Kitching, the logistics manager of AIDC in the Eastern Cape, will be used to market the metro as an attractive investment location for related industries.

“Mandela Bay is a major hub for the sector in the Eastern Cape, where three OEMs and 150 component manufacturers produce 50 per cent of South Africa’s vehicle exports.
“In a nutshell, the directory will contain detailed information about the automotive sector in the metro, including specifications on ports, rail, road systems and industry incentives contained within the MIDP.

“The directory will also make available updated information of suppliers and their linkages for all buyers involved in original equipment procurement and supplier development,” said Kitching.

It was expected that the facility would also foster greater awareness among buyers of supplier capabilities, their desired areas of growth and thereby identify new business expansion opportunities, he said.

The directory is expected to be online by year end.

Companies would not be charged for inclusion in the directory, Kitching said.