The Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Eastern Cape is fast becoming a hub for the automotive industry.

The SEZ is home to an automotive sector valued at over R12 billion with numerous brands including FAW, BAIC, ISUZU Parts Distribution Centre, Faurecia, Rehau, Groupo Antolin,Benteler, Hella and Q-Plas already settled into the region.

Historic investments

The FAW plant, which officially opened in July 2014, put the SEZ on the automotive map and they were soon followed by their Chinese counterparts BAIC in 2016 who bright a historic investment of R11 billion into the country.

Earlier this year, Japanese vehicle manufacturer Isuzu took over the vehicle parts centre, previously operated by General Motors, to open their first vehicle parts distribution centre.

Marketing, Brand and Communications Unit Head, Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi says the decision by these automakers to settle in Coega SEZ has cemented the zone as a pioneer in not only boosting the automotive industry but in the creation of jobs proving as well that Coega is the most successful SEZ in the country.

Committed to job creation

“We are ecstatic with the giant strides the SEZ is making in the automotive industry. The multiple investments made throughout including BAIC show the SEZ’s commitment to not only creating jobs but to the development of the Eastern Cape.

“We can now see that the CDC is on the right track with its mandate and we hope that in future, other vehicle manufacturers can see the Eastern Cape as the future home of their international manufacturing plants”, he said.