Speaker, the ANC-led government acknowledges the important role the car manufacturing industry and car component manufacturers are playing in creating jobs, growing the economy and developing new technologies. It views the investment of R2,2 billion by BMW in the production of the new BMW 3 Series as a vote of confidence by the private sector in South Africa's economy. The production of the new 3 Series is expected to create 600 new jobs in Roslyn. The automotive industry accounts for about 10% of the country's manufactured exports and 5% of total export.
South Africa manufactures 550 000 cars annually and is attracting the leading international brands of motor manufacturers because of the government's incentives to the sector and also due to meeting the required quality standards. Also of great significance is the fact that the Roslyn plant has started to use more renewable energy and produces 25% less carbon emissions per car in its production process.
The ANC-led government's plan to strengthen port, rail and road infrastructure will further reduce transport and logistical costs to manufacturers, thus making South Africa an even more competitive foreign direct investment destination. [Applause.]