Volkswagen scoops seventh Eastern Cape Exporter’s Award
Volkswagen Group South Africa wins recognition for environmental protection at Eastern Cape Exporter of the Year Awards.
Prominent vehicle manufacturer and exporter Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) was honoured for its environmental protection efforts at an Eastern Cape awards event on Friday (15 August 2020).
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
The Uitenhage, Nelson Mandela Bay-based automaker was named the winner of the SJM Flex Environment Award at the 2020 Exporters Eastern Cape Awards.
The company was honoured during a virtual awards ceremony — Exporters Eastern Cape’s 25th edition — as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PROMOTING EXPORT SECTOR
Exporters Eastern Cape is a non-profit organisation for companies or individuals participating in exports, either directly or indirectly, and aims to grow the provincial export sector while assisting existing exporters to become more globally competitive.
As an organisation tasked with the overall promotion and development of the export sector, its annual awards serve to recognise the province’s leading exporters and their achievements.
EXPORT BASE
Growth in the export sector in the Eastern Cape is underpinned by the presence of three major commercial sea ports in the province, with one in East London and two in Nelson Mandela Bay where both ports are situated in Algoa Bay on the Port Elizabeth coastline.
Volkswagen, among other vehicle brands operating in the region, has traditionally made extensive use of the Port Elizabeth Harbour which hosts a berthing facility for Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicle vessels, commonly referred to as Ro-Ro’s (Roll on – Roll off).
STRONG TRACK RECORD
Friday’s recognition represents the seventh award VWSA has received at the Exporter of the Year Awards. Volkswagen was awarded the overall Exporter of the Year in 2019.
Honoured for its “continuous efforts to protect the environment” VWSA received the SJM Flex Environment Award — with SJM Flex being a significant automotive component supplier with a strong manufacturing presence in Port Elizabeth.
The prestigious SJM Flex Environmental Award is awarded in recognition of ISO 14001-accredited exporters who pursue excellence in environmental management.
In addition to this award, VWSA was also recognised with a merit award in the Best Exporter: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) category.
ANOTHER FEATHER IN THE CAP
“These awards are a feather in the cap for Volkswagen,” said Jens Bruecker, Director for Production and Logistics at VWSA.
“We had a strong year in 2019, achieving an all-time annual production record and a market share of 23.4% for VWSA’s brands – all while keeping our responsibility to the environment top of mind.”
“We remain committed to manufacturing vehicles for the local and export markets in a way that is environmentally responsible, to the benefit of the Eastern Cape region.
“Adding these awards to our achievements is proof that we are on the right path in terms of sustainable local manufacturing that strengthens the economy,” said Brueker.
Exporters Eastern Cape has been operating in the Eastern Cape for 40 years and represents industries ranging from automotive and pharmaceutical to agriculture and the services sector.
The judges for the Exporters Eastern Cape Awards come from varying backgrounds and sectors.