Mercedes takes lead

Mercedes-Benz SA said yesterday it was driving supplier development and an increase in local content, which are in line with the objectives of the government's automotive production and development programme.

Speaking at the results presentation in the year to December 2011, Mercedes president and CE Dr Martin Zimmermann said: "We need to ensure that global competitiveness is not hampered by technology or efficiency gaps, and so we are rolling out plans to support our suppliers with lean manufacturing training and skills development."

Mercedes has held talks with component suppliers to discuss the prerequisites for future operations at its plant in East London.

The Automotive Production and Development Programme, which will replace the Motor Industry Development Programme, aims to expand automotive vehicle production to 1.2million vehicles a year by 2020.