Work continues at the BAIC SA Manufacturing Plant - bush clearing completed by 11 SMMEs - on track to start production in 2018, with maximum participation of the local SMMEs. Phase 1 (Site Preparations) has been completed and Phase 2 (Construction) is due to start soon; however excavations are already underway. Today, the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) announced that the BAIC SA investment in the manufacturing facility is earmarked to be completed within the planned timeframes. However, … [Read more...] about 11 SMMEs Benefit from BAIC SA Plant to the tune of R17.1 Million
BAIC
New era for the Eastern Cape Auto industry
The decision by Japanese auto assembler Isuzu to buy the GMSA assembly plant and invest in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro is part of a trend in which companies from the east are increasing their presence in Africa, while western trading partners appears to be holding back, says Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Coega Development Corporation. He was responding to concerns over a decision by Isuzu to purchase the General Motors plant in Port Elizabeth and to take … [Read more...] about New era for the Eastern Cape Auto industry
New leadership for MBSA and BBAC
German automaker Daimler announced the appointment of Andreas Engling as CEO and Executive Director Manufacturing of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) today. Arno van der Merwe, currently in this position, will start a new chapter in his career as President and CEO of Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC). Both these appointments are effective 1 April 2017. Van der Merwe succeeds Peter Schabert, who retires after 31 years at Daimler AG. Schabert has been President and CEO of BBAC since … [Read more...] about New leadership for MBSA and BBAC
Site preparation begins for R11 billion automotive manufacturing plant in Coega IDZ
The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has begun work in clearing 54.62 hectares of land in Zone 1 of the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) in preparation for the biggest automotive investment in Africa in the last 40 years. "We pride ourselves in our efficiency and high turnaround times when implementing complex and mega projects of this nature. Our modus operandi in placing the needs of investors first lies at the forefront of everything we do and has contributed significantly in the … [Read more...] about Site preparation begins for R11 billion automotive manufacturing plant in Coega IDZ
Videos from the BAIC Sod Turning
By all accounts the sod turning for the new BAIC factory at the Coega IDZ was a pretty swanky affair with no expense spared on the amenities and refreshments. Here are some short videos from the event: BAIC Signing Ceremony https://youtu.be/G32sgMwDEGw Beijing Automobile International Corporation (BAIC) Chairman Xu Hayi and Coega CEO Pepi Silinga sign the historic agreement to establish a R11 Billion Automotive plant in the Coega IDZ, Port Elizabeth. BAIC Sod Turning … [Read more...] about Videos from the BAIC Sod Turning
Historic BAIC / IDC Greenfields Automotive Plant Sod Turning
Chinese vehicle manufacturer Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) and South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) announced today the establishment of a new completely knocked down (CKD) vehicle plant, to be located in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), Port Elizabeth. The who's who of the business and political world gathered at a spectactular catered event to mark the traditional sod turning ceremony. The accompanying media contingent reminded us of the masses of hacks that … [Read more...] about Historic BAIC / IDC Greenfields Automotive Plant Sod Turning
Biggest automotive investment in Africa in the last 40 years
The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) will on Tuesday, 30 August 2016 break ground to mark the historic Beijing Automobile International Corporation (BAIC) R11 billion investment at the Coega IDZ. The event follows the announcement by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies on the successful contractual conclusion between BAIC and the CDC, effectively ensuring the establishment of a completely knocked down (CKD) automotive manufacturing plant in the Coega Industrial Development … [Read more...] about Biggest automotive investment in Africa in the last 40 years
BAIC investment welcomed
Kevin Hustler, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber released this statement welcoming the BAIC Investment in Port Elizabeth: The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber welcomes the announcement made today regarding the massive automotive investment by Beijing Automobile International Corporation (BAIC) of R11 billion at the Coega Industrial Development Zone in Nelson Mandela Bay. We are in particular excited about the 2 500 direct employment opportunities this investment is … [Read more...] about BAIC investment welcomed
