STRONG PERFORMANCE by Eastern Cape-based component manufacturers helped South African vehicle component exports grow to R18,5 billion in 2002, according to figures released by the Automotive Industry Export Council. The council says the rand's weakness "assisted" in the strong growth, with 23 out of 31 categories showing increases. Catalytic converters were again the dominant component export, with exports rising from R4,6 to R8,9 billion. The Eastern Cape dominates catalytic converter production in South Africa. Other areas in which the province is particularly strong include automotive glass (R170.7 to R240.9-million); seat parts and leather covers (R1 926 to R2 391.4 – million); tyres (R681.8 to R780.6-million); batteries (R99.5 to R116-million); clutches (R58.6 to R91.9-million) and wiring harnesses (R319 to R390.8-million). National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam) executive director Clive Williams says the local vehicle industry's international trade deficit has narrowed from R9,7 billion in 2000 to R8 billion in 2001 on the back of the improved export performance.