Car manufacturing output down 75 pct in South Africa

(MENAFN) The South African National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (NAAMSA) said that car exports by the country plunged 75 percent last month as a result of strikes in the car industry, Xinhua reported. NAAMSA spokesman said: "We saw a plunge in vehicle exports by 75 percent during the month of September. We are going to see similar dismal figures in the month of October." The workers continued their strike demanding a double-digit salary increase, but their employers are only offering 7.5 percent. The strike is expected to hit the country"s economic growth and lead to lower exports and sales as the auto industry in the country comprises 30 percent of its total manufacturing output.