AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
Motoring bosses deny new automotive policy is a done deal
Motor industry executives have taken issue with trade & industry director-general Lionel October’s assertion that the government and the industry are "99% in agreement" on future automotive policy. Significant differences still exist between them, one executive said. October told a conference at Kyalami on Friday that negotiations on a successor to the 2013-20 Automotive Production and Development Programme are almost complete and that officials are filling in details before the plan is presented to the cabinet. Trade & industry minister Rob Davies has said he wants to reveal the automotive "masterplan", which will run from 2021 to 2035, before the end of 2018. BMW SA MD Tim Abbott said that even if the final version is not ready, the industry needs clear guidelines on the government’s future thinking. Most motor companies plan at least seven years ahead. Talks under wraps Industry executives and labour representatives have been asked by the department of trade & industry not to div...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.