Ports provide vital links for OEMs in South Africa

Record growth in the South African auto industry is being supported by the upgrading of port facilities and integration of the country's rail and harbor networks.

A LARGE percentage of the country's auto container and Ro-Ro traffic is routed through the two Eastern Cape ports of East London and Port Elizabeth, both of which are managed by South African Port Operations (SAPO).

In Port Elizabeth, the main users are General Motors SA and Volkswagen SA. The two plants are among the oldest in South Africa. Both have successful FBU and component export and import programs. "The two companies continue to invest and grow," says Nosipho Damasane General Manager Supply Chain, Eastern …