The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal (PECT) aced Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft’s (VWAG) global quality audit, scoring 96% across export processes, housekeeping, security, vehicle handling as well as condition of storage.
The audit is held every five years across all sites that handle German car manufacturer’s import and export volumes. Germany is highly industrial and engineering-intensive. Therefore, this rating is well recognised as it was issued by officials from a country that understands the automotive sector very well and PECT passed with flying colours. The achievement speaks to the rarely celebrated employees that carry out their work with utmost commitment and pride to a point where they elevate the country’s name internationally. In addition, the environment created by Transnet Port Terminals across its car terminals is one where fundamental controls are in place, hence the improved efficiencies.
VW South Africa manufactures the VW Polo and Polo Vivo models in Uitenhage, about 35km north west of PE – and has been exporting these models to destinations like European Markets for about 14 years now.
SA car exports have been on the increase since the beginning of the year and competitiveness amongst countries remains high, with manufacturers investing where conditions are favourable. In South Africa, a 10% increase in car exports [year-on-year] has been noted. TPT has seen a steady growth at the Port Elizabeth Car Terminal, with September and November having been the best exporting months in the current financial year.
There are over 40 car manufacturers operating in SA across passenger, light and heavy commercial makes – exporting to over 155 markets. While local consumption remains low, the demand from international markets is growing, especially on the models manufactured in the country. The automotive sector accounts for over 14% to total SA exports overall, contributing 6.8% to the country’s gross domestic product and employing over 110 000 people.
Source: Transnet Port Terminals (TPT)
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