Friday, March 29, 2024
spot_img
HomeAutomotive Industry Development CentreAIDC takes part in cross-country Electric Vehicles Road Trip

AIDC takes part in cross-country Electric Vehicles Road Trip

The purpose of the EVRT was to raise awareness on the future of Electric Vehicles (EV) in Africa and globally.

The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) took part in the Electric Vehicles Road Trip (EVRT) that was held recently. The AIDC was represented by the AIDC CEO Mr. Lance Schultz, the Department Manager for Supplier and Enterprise Development and Chair of the Tshwane Automotive Green Forum Mr. Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, and Senior Project Managers Mr. Claude Pillay and Mr. Sydney Theko.

The purpose of the EVRT was to raise awareness on the future of Electric Vehicles (EV) in Africa and globally. This was achieved by an epic road trip spanning 2 000 kilometres across the country – from Pretoria to Cape Town – in electric cars. During the trip, EV charging stations were launched along the route and the final one was launched in Cape Town at the Vineyard hotel by the National Minister of Transport, Mr. Fikile Mbalula.

The trip made a turn at uYilo at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, where the technology and research on batteries for EV’s are being conducted. The visit was very educational in terms of current and future developments.

The team also paid a visit to a wind farm in Jeffrey’s Bay to gain a better understanding of alternative sources of energy supply that will support smarter mobility.

The main sponsors and partners for this event were the National Department of Transport, Gauteng Department of Transport, Sun Arena Time Square, ACDC Dynamics, African Alliance for Energy Productivity, Nissan, BMW, Jaguar, 947 702, Sanral, AIDC and Uyilo.

AIDC CEO Mr. Lance Schultz commented: “Our participation will be valuable for the future introduction of EV infrastructure. This road trip has also strengthened our role as the Chair of the Tshwane Automotive Green Forum.”

Prior to the EVRT, the AIDC participated in the Smarter Mobility Africa Conference 2019, where Mr. William Mogale, Department Manager Skills Development and Training, served as a panelist during the discussion on the future skills required to address smarter mobility in Africa.

www.aidc.co.za


Be part of the automotive growth trajectory!

The South African automotive industry contributes 6.9% to GDP (4.4% manufacturing & 2.5% retail), accounts for 30.1% of manufacturing output and 13.9% of total exports, employs 110 000 people in vehicle and component production and attracts an annual investment of R12.2-billion.

In recognition of the importance of the automotive industry in South Africa, the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) commissioned the development of a South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) in 2016. Following an intensive stakeholder engagement process, the dti developed a SAAM vision, and clear objectives for the automotive industry through to 2035.

A brief summary of the SAAM’s 2035 vision*:
  • Achieve 1% of global vehicle production by 2035 (increase from current 600 000 units to almost 1.4 million units a year)
  • Increase local content from current 39% to 60%
  • Double employment in the value chain from current levels to about 240 000
  • Achieve at least level 4 BEE status from 2021
  • Support to be based on value addition rather than production sales value

Factory space available

The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) has four sites with 140 000 m² of combined factory floor area, with future development plans to expand the ASP by a further 30 000 m² of factory space, and develop 34 hectares of land in-and-around Rosslyn.

The AIDC offers affordable turnkey solutions for all tenants within the Automotive Supplier Park.

The Facilities Planning Department of the AIDC possesses the skills and know-how to assist micro and macro businesses with infrastructure development of their factories. This includes the design, legislative approvals, and the planning for construction of the factories.

For more information about space availability or future expansion plans for the Automotive Supplier Park, please contact the AIDC:

Error: Contact form not found.

(*SAAM 2035 source: Department of Trade and Industry)

RELATED ARTICLES

Investment Projects

Business News

spot_img

Recent News

spot_img