THE Port Elizabeth Car Terminal (PECT) has 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 the German car manufacturer’s import and export volumes.
Sindi Ndwalaza, VW regional corporate affairs manager, Cape channel, said, “Germany is highly industrial and engineering intensive and this rating is therefore well recognised because 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 who carry out their work with utmost commitment and pride to a point where they elevate the country’s name internationally,” said Ndwalaza. She further said the environment created by Transnet Port Terminals across its car terminals was one where fundamental controls were in place; hence the improved efficiencies.
VW South Africa manufactures the VW Polo and Polo Vivo models in Uitenhage and has been exporting these models to destinations like European markets for about 14 years.
Ndwalaza said, “South African car exports have been on the increase since the beginning of the year and competitiveness among countries remains high, with manufacturers investing where conditions were favourable.”
In South Africa, a 10% increase in car exports each 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,” said Ndwalaza.
She said that there were over 40 car manufacturers operating in South Africa 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,” Ndwalaza explained.
The automotive sector accounts for more than 14% to total SA exports overall, contributing 6.8% to the country’s gross domestic product and employing more than 110 000 people.
