Stellantis is making big moves locally as they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (8th of March 2023), with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) to develop a manufacturing facility in South Africa. The signing ceremony took place at the office of Mr. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. This would mean Stellantis SA would join the likes of Nissan, BMW, Toyota to name a few that produces cars locally.
Stellantis aims to produce one million vehicles by 2030 with 70% regional production autonomy. This would definitely strengthen its position in the South African market with manufacturing project set to be completed by 2025.
“I am pleased that Stellantis is looking to South Africa to expand its manufacturing footprint,” Mr. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition stated. “The company is a large global- automaker, with a range of well-known brands. South Africa is a great investment destination with significant car-making capacity. We look forward to working closely with Stellantis to enable the company to set up a plant that will expand our manufacturing base and create local jobs,” he said.
“This is an important step in our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan towards strengthening our leadership in the Middle East and Africa region and becoming a major player in South Africa,” said Mr. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer, who also attending the signing ceremony. “The manufacturing site in South Africa will be a new building block in our industrialization strategy that includes the plan to sell one million vehicles in the region by 2030 with 70% regional production autonomy and will bring us closer to our customers’ needs in the region.”
“An investment partner like Stellantis is an amazing opportunity for South Africa,” said Mr. TP Nchocho, CEO of the IDC, who was also at the signing ceremony. “Their track record in manufacturing plants around the world is impressive and we look forward to a joint venture with Stellantis to build a successful plant in South Africa. Another brick in the foundation towards our target of producing a million cars locally in SA.”
This is really great news for Stellantis, Siyaba hhalalisela.