Vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) on Friday said that the current media reports on extended shutdowns at its East London plant were incorrect.

"In respect of April production, MBSA confirms that the reduction of production volumes has necessitated only a four-day closure before the Easter weekend, namely 6 through to 9 April," the group said.

It said that the current economic pressures required more than average flexibility in production planning, and that for this reason production plans are firmed up only a month in advance at a time.

"Further plant shutdowns, as mentioned in the media, have not been finalised," concluded MBSA.

Sapa