Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 19-02-2018
The South African economy has received a massive boost with the official launch of Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.
In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) says the purchase of the plant will boost investor confidence in the country.
The launch also followed General Motors’ disinvestment in South Africa last year as part of a broader, international strategic restructuring position by the company to exit certain markets.
Last year, Isuzu announced it would purchase the light commercial vehicle operations in Port Elizabeth as well as the balance of shareholding in its Isuzu Trucks South Africa operations.
Speaking at the launch, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said the investment by IMSA would save jobs.
“We know that this investment will mean that 1000 jobs in the facility will be saved and there are 3000 jobs in the direct supply chain and many thousands more in the supply companies; jobs will continue to be guaranteed in the future.”
The President and Representative Director of Isuzu Motors of Japan, Masanori Katayama, says the company is keen to grow its business in South Africa.
“Our decision with regards to South Africa demonstrates the confidence we have in this market and also is indicative of our longer-term view that South Africa will serve as an important base for our future growth on the African continent.”
Isuzu Motors, consolidated into one business now known as Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA), became effective from January 2018 and will build Isuzu pick-ups and trucks.
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