Mercedes-Benz wins top global production awardThe award went to the East London plant because it had yielded the fewest defects and malfunctions of any plant serving the US market.. Read More...
 
VWSA ramps up its investmentVolkswagen SA (VWSA) yesterday announced a R500m investment in a new workshop facility, adding to a R5,23bn investment by the group in SA over the past four years.. Read More...
 
Serious business at the EC HubNewly appointed ECDC CEO Sitembele Mase and Dti Director of Investment Projects Francois Truter are among the presenting guests of the Exporters Club of South Africa, which will meet next at the Eastern Cape Hub.. Read More...
 
Electric car could attract massive new investmentA pre-feasbility study to determine the viability of manufacturing large-cell lithium-ion batteries in South Africa will start in the second half of the year, Engineering News reports.. Read More...
 
Uitenhage-based OEM scores state subsidiesInvestments of more than R5-billion by Volkswagen SA in Uitenhage have been approved by the government, meaning they will qualify for state subsidies. . Read More...
 
Jonas launches ‘local is lekker’ campaign in ECEASTERN Cape Economic Development and Environmental Affairs MEC Mcebisi Jonas yesterday announced the launch of a "Buy Eastern Cape Campaign" which will have as one of its goals promoting primary production of inputs for manufacturing.. Read More...
 
Exports are the key to APDP incentives for GMSAGeneral Motors SA is to invest R700-million in its Port Elizabeth plant to tool up for assembly of the next generation of Isuzu KB bakkies and Corsa Utilitys. . Read More...
 
Not all doom and gloom for retrenched workersAutomotive industry workers recently retrenched in the Eastern Cape are now receiving training General Motors SA has announced.. Read More...
 
Grand unveiling for SA’s first electric car in SwitzerlandSouth Africa's first electric car, the Joule, which is expected to be manufactured either in the Coega or the East London industrial development zones, will be featured at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland next month.. Read More...
 
EC is heading out of recession first says leading economistThe Eastern Cape is poised to make a comeback from the recession that ravaged the province last year, with economic indicators painting a positive picture for the year ahead.. Read More...
 
ECDC sees light at the end of the recession tunnelThe 2010 World Cup is expected to increase traffic into the province’s coffers through tourism.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape economy to pick up in 2010The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) believes that while the Eastern Cape economy has been affecting by a seemingly unrelenting global economic recession, there is hope beyond the storm for the provincial economy in 2010. A number of sectors such as tourism, and the struggling general manufacturing sector, led by automotives, are likely to pick up next year as the country eases out of the recession.. Read More...
 
Japan’s auto recovery signals hope for EC’s sectorJapan may be in another hemisphere, but its first signs of economic growth since being ravaged by the world-wide recession may impact positively on the Eastern Cape, especially on the province’s vital motor components industry.. Read More...
 
Property sector to benefit from new East London IDZ schemeBrokers can earn up to a maximum of R4,3 million for the successful and settlement of a manufacturing investment into the IDZ.. Read More...
 
Nelson Mandela Bay’s one of world'’s most intelligent communitiesThe Eastern Cape's Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has made it onto the 2009 list of the world’s 21 most intelligent communities. The list is issued annually by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) on the basis of a community's capacity in and innovative use of broadband.. Read More...
 
Newly opened VWSA training centres gearing for world competitivenessAs part of their new production academy, VWSA has opened 3 new training centres to ensure that the local auto industry gains world competitiveness.. Read More...
 
RI and Forbes magazine give Goodyear top honorsThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has – for the second year in a row – been recognized as America’s most respected automotive company by the Reputation Institute (RI) and Forbes magazine. The list, which was released on www.forbes.com, is based on the results RI’s Global Pulse consumer opinion survey, which measures the overall respect, trust, esteem, admiration and good feelings consumers hold toward the world’s largest companies. . Read More...
 
Study proves AIDC has helped auto sectorEstablished to assist in increasing the global competitiveness of the South African automotive industry, the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) has demonstrated its positive socioeconomic effect on its key focus areas.. Read More...
 
EC bumps up investment in Coega ASPThe Coega Development Corporation has been allocated “additional resources” for the further development of the automotive supplier park in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape Premier Mbulelo Sogoni said in his state of the province address.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape construction sector poised for growth over short to medium termECDC CEO Mxolisi Matshamba says construction will play major role in keeping regional economy buoyant. The Eastern Cape’s construction sector is likely stimulate the province’s economic growth in the short to medium term despite the downturn in the global economy. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape takes robust approach to investment promotionCEO Mxolisi Matshamba shares the corporation’s thinking on promoting the province in the current economic climate. Like all investment promotion agencies across the world, current negative market sentiment has also challenged the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, previous incentives like low electricity and labour rates have also been lessened over time. . Read More...
 
East London IDZ’s investors tally grows to 21Seven new investors with investors worth R239 million have signed up with the Eastern Cape’s second IDZ.. Read More...
 
East London IDZ looks to diversifyThe first licensed IDZ in South Africa tells of how it will attract further investors into the zone. With its value proposition for the automotive industry successfully completed, the East London IDZ is now starting to work on diversification into other sectors, says CEO Simphiwe Kondlo . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape construction poised growth in short to medium termThe Eastern Cape’s construction sector is likely stimulate the province’s economic growth in the short to medium term despite the downturn in the global economy. Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) chief executive officer Mxolisi Matshamba says because of the infrastructural backlogs in the province, the construction sector is positioned for growth.. Read More...
 
ECDC view on the Eastern Cape's investment promotion prospectsCEO Mxolisi Matshamba shares the corporation's thinking on promoting the province in the current economic climate.. Read More...
 
ECDC courts five Chinese investors after successful trade missionInvestors are interested in sectors range from automotive, textiles to clothing and plastic pipes.. Read More...
 
R3 bn for VWSA’s E Cape manufacturing plantInvestment includes new production technology in body and vehicle assembly operations as well as new engine manufacturing strategy.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, recently launched its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany.. Read More...
 
ECDC COURTS FIVE CHINESE INVESTORS AFTER SUCCESSFULTRADE MISSIONFive Chinese investors have expressed their intention to invest in the Eastern Cape after the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) participated in an investment promotion mission to the Asian economic powerhouse last month. . Read More...
 
Exhibition captures Eastern Cape’s spectacular landscapesMore than 12,000 travelers and visitors to Germany’s Munich airport were treated to eclectic beauty of the Eastern Cape in October with a photographic exhibition which included 40 photographic larger-than-life displays.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, will launch its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany today.. Read More...
 
VW pulls in six component manufacturerVehicle manufacturer Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) has attracted a number of key national and international components manufacturers to set up operations in Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape. The company, which unveiled this initiative this week, said the supplier plan was in line with the new Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP). . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, recently launched its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany. The exhibition, consisting of 40 aerial views of the province, was offically opened by the South African Ambassador to Germany, Mr Eddie Funde and ran until 22 October. . Read More...
 
A region with niches that provide global competitive advantageThe Eastern Cape is the third largest province in South Africa. Located on the eastern coast, it lies between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. With two working harbours and the transhipment hub of Coega due to become operational later this year, three airports offering direct flights to the main urban centres and an excellent rail and road infrastructure, the province continues to be prioritised by the South African government for further economic development. . Read More...
 
Next step for East London IDZ – an OEMThe East London Industrial Development Zone (Elidz), which totals 430ha, is in full operational mode with 14 of its 15 announced investors operating — the highest number of operational investors for a single IDZ in South Africa. . Read More...
 
East London port sees growth in volumes, productivityA R20 million investment is set to boost the port’s auto capacity. Investor confidence in the Eastern Cape is growing, with millions of rands in investment flowing into the province. This is evident in the many major retail and commercial developments that are either already under way or in the planning stages. . Read More...
 
City’s auto, manufacturing sectors shaping city’s successThe Nelson Mandela Bay economy contributes roughly 40% of the Eastern Cape’s GDP, thanks largely to the automotive and manufacturing sectors in Port Elizabeth. According to big business, the city and Coega Development Corporation are playing their part in ensuring a smooth ride for industry. . Read More...
 
Province's auto sector remains mainstay sectorLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase.. Read More...
 
Auto sector may set 1st trade surplus record soonExports of vehicles and components could reach R100-billion this year. South Africa's automotive industry may boast a positive trade balance for the first time since 1995. . Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry shows strong growthMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Fort Jackson property demandThe availability of skilled labour is the main driver behind the high occupancy rates at Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) industrial and commercial properties at Fort Jackson, according to ECDC executive manager of properties Luyanda Tsipa.. Read More...
 
Oysters opportunity for EC entrepreneursLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase. TNPA figures show that the number of vehicles landed and shipped grew by 27% or 9,700 units to 45,200 units in the past year and this trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future. . Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry receives faceliftMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
Mercedes-Benz’s market resilence should hold off job cutsThe East London-based OEM says that “no broad scale cost reduction programmes were planned by the carmaker in the short term”. Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) is not expecting to cut jobs at its East London manufacturing plant in the short term, despite a national slowdown in car sales. . Read More...
 
Auto components exports accelerateNAACAM says local OEMs are rising to the challenge of the local market slowing. South African car exports this year are expected to increase by 50% more than last year, with the component production for locally produced vehicles increasing in tandem, says National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturer's (Naacam's) Executive Director, Roger Pitot. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
MBSA is East London IDZ’s new tenantLocal OEM manufacturer 95,000 square metres sites includes vehicle washing, inspection bays, a loading area for nine carrier vehicles as well as over 3,000 covered and uncovered bays.. Read More...
 
Two biofuel plants for Eastern CapeEastern Cape’s fragile agricultural sector is getting a boost, thanks to the province’s plans to construct two biofuel plants that will create a massive market for the region’s farmers.. Read More...
 
Volkswagen South Africa secures new export contractVWSA is to export to more than 10,000 Jettas to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Great Britain and Ireland. . Read More...
 
International summit could unlock EC mohair industryIn a bid to resuscitate international demand for mohair from the Eastern Cape, the provincial government is set to stage the first International Mohair Summit in June 2009. . Read More...
 
Impressive growth for Port of East LondonBreak-bulk cargo movement through the Port of East London during 2007 showed 65% year-on-year growth over 2006.. Read More...
 
Coega's Indian sub-continent trip pays offTwo week trip ends with five promising investments.. Read More...
 
Nkantsu to head Nafcoc in the Eastern CapeNew appointments also include the president and vice-president.. Read More...
 
Port of East LondonFocused on lowering costs of doing business. Read More...
 
EC’s R2m job drive gives hope to matricsMORE than 70 unemployed matriculants from the Eastern Cape have been placed in learnerships at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ).. Read More...
 
R5,8bn chlorine gas plant for CoegaTHE Coega Industrial Development Zone yesterday officially signed its 10th investor, which is expected to create about 250 permanent jobs.. Read More...
 
It’s R1billion boom-time in Buffalo CityAN UNPRECEDENTED building boom pushed the value of building plans passed by the Buffalo City Municipality last year to over R1billion for the first time in history.. Read More...
 
R1,4 bn InvestmentThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has chalked up some significant achievements in the last financial year. Read More...
 
More than R 1 BN investment ECDCTHE Eastern Cape Development Corporation secured investments worth Rl,4-billion in the last financial year, creating or saving 3 467 jobs in the process and taking the tally for the past three years to R3-billion in investment and 7 293 jobs created. . Read More...
 
R5 BN to revive EL POrtA proposed R5 billion major facelift of East Londons port could turn the fortunes of the Eastern Cape around. This was revealed in a study on the deepening and enlargement of the citys port, presented at the premises of Daimler-Chrysler South Africa yesterday. . Read More...
 
Major Investment for Coega.COEGA Development Corporation chief executive officer Pepi Silinga looked like a proud father whose first son had just been born.. Read More...
 
DC’s new bus assembly line to create jobs for localsAutomotive giant delivers a third of 126 buses for Johannesburg Metrobus. Read More...
 
Coega secured R3-billion investmentThree tenants secured by Coega, prospective future investment amount to R26-billion. Read More...
 
R116-mil auto parts plant for ELEL IDZ’s fourth investor officially launches plant, 20 per cent aluminium parts to be supplied to Daimler Chrysler. Read More...
 
Nkuhlu maps way forward for ECDCChairperson committed to drive corporations recovery to an efficient and effective institution. Read More...
 
EL port scoops second national awardSHE car terminal award puts EL port in international arena. Read More...
 
Coega steel project to create 5 000 jobsGovernment approval of R1.1 billion steel plant drives project to next phase, setting up construction work for early next year. Read More...
 
Local business explore Scandinavian marketsThe first ECDC-organised trade mission to Europe opens export opportunities, corporation confident it will translate into valuable deals. Read More...
 
Leading car dealer partners with black-owned firmSoaring vehicle sales attracts Sekunjalo Investments to secure a 10% stake in EC’s largest Daimler Chrysler dealership Ronnies Motors. Read More...
 
PPP to fight HIV/Aids in the provincePartnership presents a comprehensive approach to address the pandemic. Read More...
 
Local skills program targets disadvantaged pupilsMunicipality paves the way to expose pupils to engineering and ICT, and gets buy-in from local business and university. Read More...
 
Local skills program targets disadvantaged pupilsMunicipality paves the way to expose pupils to engineering and ICT, and gets buy-in from local business and university. Read More...
 
Multimillion scooter plant opens in PEItalian company set to increase local suppliers and triple sales by end of 2008. Read More...
 
Promising prospects for NMB and ChinaChinese shows interest in the city’s automotive industry. Read More...
 
Motor import, export demand to see PE harbour in actionAutomotive industries, agricultural produce increase activity in harbour. Read More...
 
BEE auto plant all set and ready to goBC’s economy set for a major boost as auto plant gets ready for production. Read More...
 
ELIDZ’s targets a clean zoneBuffalo City’s industrial development zone looks to auto, agriculture and ICT sectors to keep it environmentally friendly. Read More...
 
Two new plants expand PE’s catalytic converter industryGovernment support to strengthen PE’s global competitive position. Read More...
 
GMSA acquires share in Midas GroupGeneral Motors SA identifies Midas Group as leading auto parts supplier. Read More...
 
EL automotive component manufactures reach heightened level of operational efficiencyDevelopment system boosts efficiency and production up to 100 per cent for local manufacturers. Read More...
 
EC’s empowerment deals to gain from R325 million fundingWomen allocated over 20 per cent from empowerment fund. Read More...
 
EC’s empowerment deals to gain from R325 million fundingWomen allocated over 20 per cent from empowerment fund. Read More...
 
Two new plants expand PE’s catalytic converter industryGovernment support to strengthen PE’s global competitive position. Read More...
 
GMSA acquires share in Midas GroupGeneral Motors SA identifies Midas Group as leading auto parts supplier. Read More...
 
EL automotive component manufactures reach heightened level of operational efficiencyDevelopment system boosts efficiency and production up to 100 per cent for local manufacturers. Read More...
 
SA catalytic converter industry thrives in tough global competition PE’s catalytic converter players contributing billions in foreign exchange . Read More...
 
Agoa criteria to determine Mercedes export to the USDaimlerchrysler SA achieves record turnover and plans to be second SA automotive exporter to the US. Read More...
 
Car dealership paves way for BEE partnership in ELPurchase of Barnes Motors is latest venture by 100 per cent black-owned Izingwe. Read More...
 
Austrian delegation looks at investment opportunities at CoegaCoega in tough international competition to secure potential European investment. Read More...
 
Coega a potential site for first stainless steel processing plant in SAR223 million investment a promising boost for SA’s raw materials sector. Read More...
 
New markets open up for localsEC exporters to receive international exposure through new exhibition facility. Read More...
 
PE could spearhead further expansion for US firmUSA firm makes PE its base in South Africa.. Read More...
 
VWSA to expand its range with Spanish importThe German automotive manufacturer is to build a SEAT dealership network in key areas.. Read More...
 
EC’s an attractive destination for global investorsProperty, automotive, healthcare and agricultural sectors present the most interesting opportunities for prospective investors.. Read More...
 
DCSA celebrates its new automotive body panel facilityThe German automotive manufacturer is set to use cutting-edge technology and specialised robotic equipment in its new 25 000 square metre plant.. Read More...
 
Province joins select group in LondonECDC CEO has unique opportunity to profile opportunities within the Eastern Cape. Read More...
 
Local auto manufacturers strengthen their market positionsVolkswagen and General Motors make a strong showing in the passenger market . Read More...
 
Logistics Park's R113-million phase underwayIt’s the second phase of the park and incorporates the development of an additional mini factory and infrastructure. Read More...
 
VW's truck contract goes BEEMzantsi Truck & Bus, which won the contract, is owned by 53 previously disadvantaged employees at Volkswagen. Read More...