Automobile company builds international assembly line to connect China and Africa

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01:53

China has strengthened its manufacturing abilities to export better automobile products to Africa, as its car brands continue to win trust and gain popularity among domestic customers.

Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) is one of the companies that had made a step to invest in South Africa.

“We are using South Africa as a jump start to explore the entire African market,” said Meng Wei, BAW’s Production Director, “sales in South Africa are good, the demand there is higher than supply.

Meng said the vehicles they've made are designed specifically for South African drivers. From road conditions to driving habits, many perspectives are considered.

The engines of the cars are not pricey, and can endure low-quality gasoline, Meng said.

Small components of the car, usually with core technology, were produced on a production line just outside Beijing. Then the units were shipped to a factory in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they were assembled by local workers.

The investment had brought employment opportunities.

“Among the 280 staff members in our factory in Johannesburg, most of them are local workers,” said Yao Jianyong, BAW’s Vice President, “most of the administration team is hired locally, 10 of them are dispatched from Beijing. 100 percent of these workers are local people.”

The trade volume between China and South Africa has grown drastically over the past two decades. Yao said the company has made a strategic step forward in the market.

With Chinese products standing firm in the African markets, potential can be explored as collaboration mechanisms get more advanced.