This podcast is brought to you by Mitsubishi Fuso - you can rely on us.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Shannon O'Donnell.

Making headlines today:

Vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra had invested a further 30-million-rand in its local subsidiary, Mahindra South Africa. This is as both global and local automotive companies were witnessing a substantial downturn in sales and profitability as the global credit crisis continued.

The Indian company now owned 91% of MSA.

Mahindra & Mahindra automotive sector president Dr Pawan Goenka said that South Africa was important and strategic in the company's overall globalisation strategy. He said that Mahindra was committed to the market.

Goenka was in South Africa to introduce Mahindra's new multipurpose Xylo to the local market. This adds to the existing line-up of Bolero and Scorpio pick-ups and sports utility vehicles.

On Monday, the South African Department of Trade and Industry and the China-Africa Development Fund signed a memorandum of understanding in Johannesburg.

At the same time, the CADF opened its representative office in South Africa.

Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe stated that areas covered by the MoU included mining, energy, infrastructure and information and communications technology.

She pointed out that the creation of the CADF was one of the steps by China to develop a new relationship with Africa. She added that the opening of the CADF representative office in South Africa represented a new era in the relationship between Africa and China.

Also making headlines:

Eskom says it will apply for a tariff increase in the next few weeks.
African leaders petition the G20 for more funds.
Environmental Impact Assesments for new landfill gas-to-electricity projects to get under way soon.
And, office paper producer Mondi says further industry closures are likely.

That's a round up of news making headlines today. For more on these and other stories please visit engineeringnews.co.za.