Tata, the Indian industrial giant, will begin construction of a vehicle assembly facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria, later this month, the Business Day reported on Thursday.
The company’s spokesman in Dubai, Debasis Ray, confirmed the investment on Wednesday.
“We’re not giving out any details now, but it’s been in the planning for some time to build an assembly plant in SA,” he said.
The announcement comes at a time of increased interest in automotive investments into South Africa.
Toyota SA confirmed it was negotiating with the government to produce minibus taxis at its Durban plant. Calibra Motor Corporation wants to build a factory in Harrismith to produce taxis.
Ray said Tata would announce details shortly of its new South African plant.
“We’re very excited that it’s got to the point that it’s come to fruition. We’re on the doorstep of a major milestone.”
He would not, however, comment on the size of Tata’s investment or what the plant would be manufacturing.
Tata Motors specialises in manufacturing tough, low-cost commercial vehicles mainly aimed at developing countries.
The company imports its low-cost Indica hatchback, but its main business in South Africa is a range of heavy, medium and extra-heavy trucks and commercial vehicles, and buses. - Sapa