Johannesburg - General Motors South Africa has started exporting the Chevrolet Spark, produced at its Struandale facility in Port Elizabeth, to Mauritius.

"The vehicles are the first to be sourced for Mauritius from the GM South African Struandale plant," said Peter Leyland of GM South Africa.

The vehicles are being shipped to Mauritius via the port of Durban.

Mauritius boasts a well-developed economy with a sophisticated market, said Leyland, who added that GM sales volumes in the Indian Ocean island nation were growing year-on-year with the Spark second only to the Cruze in terms of Chevrolet products there.

Leyland said this was a step forward in terms of expanding exports of South African-assembled products into key African markets.

This follows a R1-billion investment in GM’s South African production plant.

That investment introduced three new vehicle assembly programmes to the plant, namely the Chevrolet Utility, the Chevrolet Spark and the Isuzu Pickup.

“With all the development happening in Sub-Saharan Africa as countries improve road infrastructure, agriculture and invest in the construction of new buildings, there are a number of new opportunities to sell our vehicles in these markets,” he said.

Leyland cited IMF figures showing Africa is the world’s fastest-growing region with average GDP growth of 5.5 percent between 2000 and 2012, compared to a global average of 4.4 percent.

Meanwhile, Chevy has announced two mega-deals with popular English soccer clubs Liverpool and Manchester United, who have strong support bases in Southern Africa.

Chevrolet entered a four-year agreement with Liverpool to become its Official Automotive Partner.

The partnership runs to the end of the 2015/16 season.

“Liverpool supporters from around the world are known for their undying love of their side, said global Chevrolet marketing vice president, Chris Perry.

“Our relationship with Liverpool FC extends beyond the traditional boundaries of sponsorship and is about engaging with supporters.

“Everything we do will be aimed at keeping them at the center of the game.”

Ian Ayre, the MD of Liverpool added: “Much like our club, Chevrolet has a long, rich history with a growing, global brand and this landmark partnership once again demonstrates the value of Liverpool's international appeal.

“Partnerships with blue chip brands like Chevy will help ensure the long-term growth and success of our club, both on-and-off the pitch.

Chevy will also become Manchester United’s fifth shirt sponsor in the club's 134-year history from the 2014-2015 season. The deal runs for seven years.

United's commercial director, Richard Arnold, told the club's official website, "This is a fantastic, long-term deal for the club.

“We have been partners with Chevrolet for only six weeks, but already they have produced some fantastic ideas that will benefit both the partnership and our 659 million followers around the world.

"They are a key partner on our current tour and I know they have enjoyed experiencing the buzz generated by our fanatical support and the sell-out crowds in South Africa, China, and Europe.”

Chevrolet will replace Aon, whose partnership with United began in the 2010/11 season.