Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) has opened a ZAR196m ($22m) minibus taxi assembly plant in Johannesburg, South Africa.
BAW is majority owned by Chinese state-owned Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company which holds 51% stake while South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation holds 24.5% stake and the China Africa Motors Holding owns the remaining shares.
According to BAW, the minibus taxi plant will produce taxi vehicles for the domestic and sub-Saharan markets.
South Africa Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel said: "This investment supports the New Growth Path goals of increased industrialisation and shifting South Africa away from reliance on imports of manufactured goods."
With an annual capacity between 40,000 and 50,000 units by 2015, the new semi-knocked down facility is expected to increase localisation of the automotive industry and export opportunities in South Africa.
The new minibus taxi assembly plant will assemble new 16-seater minibus taxis that will be designed and developed under BAW brand.
