VEHICLE IMPORTS through Port Elizabeth could be boosted by up to three thousand units a year with the reintroduction of the Chrysler brand to South Africa by the Delta Motor Corporation. Willie van Wyk, head of Port Elizabeth – based Delta, says Chevrolet is looking to attain a market share of between three and five per cent - equivalent to about 3 000 units a year. It had the potential to build this up to "well over 10 000", he said during a media conference to relaunch the brand. The Delta Motor Corporation is 49 per cent owned by the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, General Motors Corporation. It assembles Isuzu and Opel vehicles in Port Elizabeth. The Chevrolet vehicles initially will be imported from Australia and South Korea, with an option for local assembly in the future. Strong vehicle exports from Port Elizabeth to the East were recently announced by Delta’s neighbours in Uitenhage, Volkswagen South Africa. Over 30 000 Golf 4s and Polos a year are being exported by VW to markets in the East. Van Wyk added that the reintroduction of Chevrolet would create a number of spin-offs, including employment, investment and growth opportunities. “Already some R50-million have been invested in the establishment of additional dealerships, which collectively will employ some 350 people,” Van Wyk said. He added that new automotive component export business will be one of the opportunities the company hopes to capitalise on as a result of this new venture. A total of 22 exclusive Chevrolet dealerships have been appointed to sell the Chevrolet brand of vehicles throughout South Africa.