South Africa’s investor confidence received a boost with the production launch of the new generation C-Class at the newly upgraded Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) assembly plant in East London.  Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies said that the amount of R 5.4-billion committed to investing in the plant has been the largest single project investment by an assembler in the automotive sector since the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS) was launched in 2009.
 
Davies said the automotive industry is critical for the economy of the country and contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said the launch will benefit the country through employment creation and export generation.
 
“This production launch is indicative of Mercedes-Benz continued drive to produce high quality products in SA and a supportive investment environment, enabled by significant levels of government support and initiatives to aid industrial upgrading. The economic benefit linkages arising out of the W205 project will continue to benefit both the regional Eastern Cape economy as well as the SA economy in years to come,” said the Minister.
 
Minister Davies added that the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP)
was successful in positioning the SA sector as a competitive supplier of exported autos products, and the recently implemented Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) aims to consolidate those gains and significantly increase the volume of autos products being manufactured in SA.  He highlighted that the new C-Class production will enhance South Africa’s automotive manufacturing capability and capacity.
 
“This is another good story as the SA automotive industry continues to make strides in global automotive markets and the SA government remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining and growing the local industry”, stated Minister Davies.
 
Divisional Board Member Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mr. Markus Schäfer said the new C-class is a win for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and its East London plant.
 
“This plant is an important element of our highly flexible production network for our highest volume Mercedes-Benz model. With the new C-Class we’re taking automotive production in South Africa to the next level – also with regard to an innovative portfolio of technologies”, he said
 
MBSA CEO Arno Van der Merwe stated that the C-Class production is already upheld by many as the pride of the Eastern Cape.
 
“With the next generation model, we strengthen a commitment and responsibility to the province and the country that stretches back more than 60 years. We are honoured to be able to continue this iconic legacy”, indicated Van der Merwe.