EAST LONDON-BASED DaimlerChrysler SA is one of the six manufacturers that have been short-listed to supply the new 35- and 18-seater vehicles to replace the country’s existing taxi fleet. The award of the contract to DaimlerChrysler will provide a further boost to the Eastern Cape’s automotive industry. Transport minister Dullah Omar says the other bidders for the contract are GAZ Joint Stock Company, Iveco, Kwoon Chung Mudan Automobile, Afinta Motor Corporation and Tata. It has not yet been announced when the successful manufacturer will be named. The Department of Trade and Industry is also finalising the tender process for the electronic system to be used for fare collection. Commuters will pay with a new card system. Recapitalisation has been billed as one of the key processes to ensure good service and commuter safety.