DAIMLERCHRYSLER in East London is in a bidding race for a contract to build the new version of the C-Class Mercedes Benz. A spokesperson says the contract would result in a R10-billion investment into the Buffalo City metro, with exports jumping to 75 000 a year. The Buffalo City automotive industry stands to the investment over the next four years if DaimlerChrysler South Africa succeeds in netting the worldwide contract to manufacture the new generation C-Class Mercedes-Benz. The contract would boost the Eastern Cape’s component supply industry. "Their investment in this region would probably be four to five times higher to meet the demands," spokesperson Deon Ebersohn told the Daily Dispatch newspaper. DaimlerChrysler has said that it aims to source up to 80 per cent of components for the new vehicle in South Africa. If the contract is awarded to South Africa, exports would jump from the present 31000 to 75000 a year, according to Ebersohn.