The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is a central player in South Africa’s globally recognised automotive manufacturing landscape. Strategically located within the country’s primary automotive corridor, the ELIDZ offers a high-performance industrial base for vehicle assembly, component production, logistics, and next-generation mobility innovation.
The Zone’s purpose-built infrastructure supports Tier 1 to Tier 3 suppliers, enabling just-in-time and just-in-sequence delivery systems that align with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). In addition, the ELIDZ is emerging as a hub for New Energy Vehicle (NEV) innovation including electric mobility, green vehicle technologies, and circular manufacturing systems in line with global sustainability and decarbonisation trends.
Anchoring this innovation capacity is the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP), a dedicated research and development ecosystem specialising in automotive technology, materials innovation, and Industry 4.0 integration. Through collaboration with universities, research councils, and OEM partners, the STP drives product testing, prototyping, and technology transfer, positioning the Zone as an R&D-enabled manufacturing environment.
With its proximity to major OEMs, a deep-water port, and a highly skilled technical workforce, the ELIDZ provides investors with a secure, efficient, and innovation-driven base for both manufacturing and export operations.
Targeted investors:
OEM suppliers, component manufacturers, NEV technology developers, logistics service providers, and industrial automation firms seeking a globally competitive SEZ location.
Why Invest in the ELIDZ Automotive sector?
Value Proposition
A globally competitive, innovation-driven, and ESG-aligned automotive ecosystem — where OEMs, Tier suppliers, and SMEs operate within a connected, low-carbon industrial base designed for efficiency, innovation, and sustainable mobility.
Through its NEV-ready infrastructure, R&D ecosystem, and Eco-Industrial Park principles, the ELIDZ empowers investors to lead Africa’s transition toward green, smart, and globally integrated automotive manufacturing.
Competitive advantages
The East London IDZ is shaping the future of automotive manufacturing
where precision meets innovation, and technology drives sustainable mobility. With established supply chains, NEV readiness, and export-focused infrastructure, the ELIDZ offers investors a proven, future-fit platform for growth and global competitiveness.
The Port of East London’s Support to the Regional Automotive Sector
The port plays a key role in the countries automotive sector. With its easy access to the ELIDZ Automotive Supplier Park and Coastal Vehicle Distribution Centre, East London is the preferred import and export port for MBSA, as well as other vehicle importers.
The Port of East London is situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River and is the only commercial river port on the South African coastline. Centrally located both nationally and internationally, the port is strategically positioned to act as the gateway between Africa and the global market. The Port of East London’s geographical position gives its customers easy access to world markets, while reputation for excellent turnaround times is renowned.
The port enjoys a strategic relationship with the ELIDZ, which is situated in close proximity to the port, offering complete supply chain and production facilities to any potential investor who requires access to global markets.
The proximity of the port to the MBSA manufacturing plant is unique, in that this major motor assembly plant is linked by a private bridge to a world-class four-level car terminal adjacent to the quayside, thus positioning the port to handle the import and export of fully built-up vehicles in a seamless manner, inclusive of in and outbound containerised components.
IN-HOUSE METAL SURFACE TREATMENT PLANT
In 2012, the ELIDZ established the Metal Surface Treatment (aluminium treatment and E-Coating) facility which is located at its ASP. This became the first facility of its kind in the greater Border-Kei area. The establishment of the facility has increased the competitiveness of Buffalo City as an investment destination, particularly for the automotive sector.
Upon completion, the organisation appointed a proficient operator (Linde + Wiemann RSA) to oversee the day-to-day running of the facility.
The establishment of the facility at the ELIDZ installed value-added services to the automotive sector, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the IDZ by creating shared services through enabling infrastructure that can be used by multiple customers. The Metal Surface Treatment (MST) facility offers its services to Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) and various other component manufacturers and has, in turn, created direct jobs.