Volkswagen SA managing director Hans-Christian Maergner on Wednesday said the manufacturer was planning to spend more than R1,6 billion on capital investment over the next five years.
Volkswagen SA managing director Hans-Christian Maergner on Wednesday said the manufacturer was planning to spend more than R1,6 billion on capital investment over the next five years.
Of this amount, about R450 million would be used to upgrade plant infrastructure, products and facilities, Maergner said. This included information technology systems and team areas within the plant, Business Day reported on Thursday.
“Our goal for next year is to further improve quality in our vehicles to the point where we are part of the top quality ranking within the VW group – as well as to increase local content in our vehicles and component export,” he said.
Maergner added that VWSA would continue to export 30 000 units next year despite the reduction in overseas orders – a trend affecting all manufacturers on the world automotive market.
Although VWSA was striving to be globally competitive, the company would try to safeguard current jobs and even create new employment in the supplier industry.
“We plan to grow our component export business, including catalytic converters, alloy wheels, rubber-metal components, driveshafts and engines to R1,7 billion next year,” Maergner said.
VWSA would also focus on the rollout of its empowerment policy for dealers and suppliers next year. “Inside our plant we will launch a new HIV/Aids project in partnership with GTZ – a German government agency,” he added.
