Beijing Automotive Works South Africa (BAW SA) announced to invest R250 million rand ($1.9 million) to expand and upgrade its minibus taxi plant in Springs, Gauteng, South Africa.

The renovation which aims to expand local production was inaugurated with a soil turning ceremony on May 8. More than 50 people attended the ceremony, including South Africa Industrial Development Corp. (IDC) CEO Geoffrey Qhena, BAW SA CEO Zhang Wei, officials from Chinese Embassy in South Africa and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of South Africa and service providers and representatives from the auto manufacturing sector and banks in South Africa.

According to Zhang, the expansion will include a new body shop, paint shop, trim line and warehouses, and the upgrade of all utilities. More than 100 new jobs will be created for local people when complete in 2018.

The soil turning ceremony of the BAW SA Springs Plant is held on May 8. More than 50 people attended (LI JIANGUO)

Diesel vehicles produced by BAW SA will enter the market next month, followed by more vehicles catering to the needs of South Africa and the wider continent. School buses, electric vehicles and vehicles for commercial use are reported to be among the products that will be made available.

Launched in 2013, BAW SA mainly produces the Sasuka 16-seater high specification minibus for the local taxi market. The Sasuka is sold with a 500,000-km service plan and insurance that covers both the vehicle and passengers.