Autotech Tales & Industry News
Sumitomo to invest $100 million in Egypt to build world's largest electric wire factory
11 April, 2023
Source: Business Today
Egypt's CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, Hassan Hamed, discussed with officials from Japanese company Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Inc. the company's investment plans and expansion in Egypt.The meeting focused on ways to support and facilitate the company's growth as one of the key partners of the government in implementing its strategy to deepen the automotive industry and turn Egypt into a major hub in global supply chains.
How global updates benefit this industry in Egypt
9 April, 2023
Source: Autotech Tales
Automotive aftermarket and feeding industries represent the secondary market supporting the vehicle production sector. After selling the vehicle by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the consumer, this huge market involves producing, remanufacturing, distributing, selling, and installing all automotive parts, chemicals, equipment, and accessories. At the international level, the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) develops aftermarket part specifications due to its strict high standards and quality testing, especially in terms of safety.
UAE Ban Import of Chinese-Manufactured Volkswagen EVs
28 March, 2023
Source: Yalla-Motor
Volvo Trucks deploys First All-Electric Truck in Africa
17 March, 2023
Source: Africa Automotive News
Volvo Trucks delivers its first all-electric heavy-duty truck to the African continent. The refuse collection vehicle has been delivered to a Moroccan company, Arma, in the city of Rabat and is the first BEV truck from a global manufacturer to be in commercial operation in Africa.
The automaker suggests that by replacing the existing Volvo FE diesel truck with a Volvo FE electric on a typical route, approximately 30 tons of CO2 could be saved every year. There is a growing push to produce greener energy in Africa, especially solar. Morocco is a leader in solar power and home to the world’s biggest concentrated solar power facility, Noor Quarzazate, located 124 miles (200 km) southeast of Marrakech. The Volvo FE Electric is one of six all-electric Volvo truck models already in production.
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Governance evolution – appointment of Christophe Périllat as Valeo Chief Executive Officer | Valeo
26 January, 2023
Source: Valeo
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Global Auto becomes BMW Group Importer in Egypt
1 December, 2022
Source: Africa Automotive News
BMW Group, the world’s leading premium manufacturer of luxurious, sporty, and electric automobiles has announced the appointment of Global Auto Group as the new importer of BMW and MINI in Egypt.
The announcement came in a press conference held in the presence of Thomas Rinn, BMW Group President for Africa and Eastern Europe; Fahad Alghanim, Chairperson of Global Auto Group; Mohamed Kandeel, CEO of Global Auto Group; Ghanem Saqr Alghanim, Kuwait’s Ambassador in Cairo; and Jan Noether, CEO and Board Member of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce; as well as senior officials from BMW Group and Global Auto Group.
Global Auto Group also acquired Bavarian Auto Group — the former importer of both luxury brands in Egypt — in a deal that includes the existing network of service centres, showrooms, and the BMW assembly plant. BMW’s assembly plant has three production lines with a capacity of 10,000 cars per year.
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Madbouly looks into proposals to stimulate investments in East Port Said’s automotive sector
17 May, 2022
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly held a meeting on Sunday to review a number of proposals regarding stimulating investments in the automotive sector and feeding industries in the East Port Said region, in the presence of Yahia Zaki, the Executive Director of Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone).
The meeting was also attended by Chairperson of Port Said Development Company, Karim Sami, the company’s Managing Director Ahmed Abdel Wahab, and board member of the company Hossam Abdel Aziz.The Prime Minister called for strengthening efforts to attract investments to the SCZone, in accordance with the directives of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, in order to maximize the benefit from the strategic and vital location of the region, which is one of the leading and attractive regions in the world in various industries, especially green energy projects.
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Egypt’s El-Nasr Automotive, Uber test drive Chinese electric vehicle ‘E70’ ahead of local production
22 August, 2021
Egypt’s state-run El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company has started to test drive a new electric vehicle (EV) model, called “E70”, in cooperation with the international ride-hailing company Uber, in preparation for manufacturing the first Egyptian EV.
The El-Nasr imported 13 E70 cars from the Chinese company Dongfeng Motor Corporation, with which cooperation is underway to produce this model at the factories of the El-Nasr. The test drive process aims to find out the final specifications of the car that will be produced locally by the company.
Nine E70 cars were delivered to Uber drivers, who were trained by a team from the Chinese company Dongfeng to use and charge electric cars. The car will be tested according to specific criteria at distances up to 30,000 km during a period between 3 to 4 months.
The production of the El-Nasr E70 is scheduled to start by the second half (H2) of 2022, with a capacity of 25,000 cars per year..”
Afreximbank sign MoU to boost Africa automotive investment
18 February, 2021
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the financing and promotion of Africa’s automotive industry.Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah and AAAM President Mike Whitfield signed the MoU in early February, formalising the basis for a partnership. It is aimed at boosting regional automotive value chains and financing for the automotive industry, while supporting the development of enabling policies, technical assistance, and capacity building initiatives.Oramah said, “The strategic partnership with AAAM will facilitate the implementation of the Bank’s Automotive programme, which aims to catalyse the development of the automotive industry in Africa as the continent commences trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
Egypt CPA issues instructions on vehicle pricing to protect consumers
13 October, 2020
Egypt’s Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has put in place the new instructions that oblige car companies and major distributors working in the local market to openly announce their vehicle prices on their official social media accounts.Many companies and distributors have already been committed to the new rules, and have announced the official prices via their marketing platforms, however only serious customers will be informed of the final prices when they visit the companies’ branches or showrooms.Ahmed Samir, Acting Chairperson of the CPA, said that the instructions issued by the agency are to ensure that customers can access their rights to learn about vehicle prices. The agency’s move also means that whoever violates these instructions is liable to face lawsuits over misguidance.Samir added that the CPA instructions are in the consumer’s interests, so that they can access full information about the car in one place. It is anticipated that consumers will find it easier to choose between alternatives, without having to resort to visiting many different showrooms in person to find out prices.
Market Insights with Mike: New Industry Indicators Suggest Trend Toward Stability
5 October, 2020
Despite the lower levels of on-site work and in-school instruction, we have seen some sectors of the aftermarket recover well in the U.S market. Retail sales of automotive parts, accessories, and tires soared in the summer, reflecting considerable pent-up demand as consumers began driving again and prepared their vehicles for summer travel. According to IMR Inc. (AutomotiveResearch.com), while vehicle maintainers remain highly concerned about travelling via ride share (68.1%) or via public transportation (62.4%) in the context of COVID-19, they are less concerned about taking their vehicles to a repair shop for service (32.1%) or shopping- in-store at an auto parts retailer (e.g., AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts) (34.4%).
Removal of safety features to reduce prices stirs controversy in Egypt auto market
22 September, 2020
Ghabbour Auto (GB Auto) decision to offer the certain classes of the 2021 model of the Hyundai Elantra RB without airbags has stirred up controversy and heated debate in Egypt’s auto market.GB Auto, the exclusive agent for the Hyundai brand in Egypt said that it is set to release the first two classes of the Elantra RB 2021 model on the Egyptian market without airbags, “to give consumers more opportunity to choose.”The company said that it always strives to meet the needs of all customers by offering various categories. GB Auto added that it has dispensed with some options in the first two categories to attract a larger segment of consumers. This would allow the company to offer these categories at competitive prices, due to the high cost of airbags.It also said that it will offer the Hyundai Elantra RB in seven categories featuring a variety of options and luxuries depending on the category.
GB Auto becomes authorised distributor of Goodyear tyres in Egypt
15 September, 2020
GB Auto has announced its partnership with global tyre manufacturer, Goodyear, to become an authorised distributor of all types of Goodyear tyres in Egypt.Regarding the near-term financial impacts, Naeem Research expects the new agreement will contribute an incremental EGP 200m in revenues to Egypt’s tyre segment, but with higher margins as it is a premium product. “Like Goodyear, GB Auto shares a strong heritage, they have been in the automotive business in Egypt for more than half a century with a culture that focuses on encouraging the spirit of innovation,” said Khaled Arafa, General Manager of Goodyear Middle East and Africa, “Our goal is to become the premier tyre brand in Egypt and across the region, by responding to the needs of consumers and becoming their preferred choice.”Arafa added, “This partnership confirms our commitment to the Egyptian market, and we will leverage on our brand heritage, products, and strong local partnerships to serve the market’s needs and customers as we are seeing very high potential in the country.”
Automakers seek delays, exemptions to India's planned new rules for parts: Sources
10 September, 2020
NEW DELHI: Foreign automakers are seeking delays and exemptions to India's planned new quality rules for imported auto parts, arguing the regulations will increase costs, hurt sales and disrupt supply chains, sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to reduce imports to boost local manufacturing to make India more self-sufficient and enable it to play a bigger role in the global supply chain. That said, the move is seen mainly aimed ..
China 2020. Best selling cars ranking. The top 100
2 September, 2020
The Chinese new vehicles market is the largest in the World and is characterized by a very low concentration of sales in the top models. Indeed the top 10 models sales represent only 15.9% of the market, while the top 50 represents 45.8% and the top 100 the 65.9%.The best-seller in the period 2010-2015 was always a light commercial, the Wuling Hongguang, which is utilized both a minibus and eight seats MPV. Since the 2017 the leadership was in the hands of the Volkswagen Lavida, a compact sedan, which in 2019 reached a peak of 2.4% market share.In the first half of 2020 the market presents a new best seller: the Wuling Mini Truck, which sold 281.275 units (22.3%), gaining the leadership ahead of the former leader, the Nissan Sylphy with 254.707 (7.14%) units and the Foton Light Truck with 224.206 (16.4%).
Egypt upgrading petrol-powered vehicle to CNG targets mass transportation: Kayan
31 August,2020
The Egyptian government has recently adopted an initiative to convert about 1.8m old, petrol-powered cars to compressed natural gas (CNG), according to Karim Naggar, Chairperson of Kayan International Trade, the Egypt agent for Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda.Naggar welcomed the initiative, which particularly focuses on the mass transportation category being the most important means of transport in Egypt. It will see this type of vehicles, in particular, converted to CNG engines, which reduces harmful carbon emissions, especially in Egypt’s densely populated governorates such as Cairo.
California Approved A $437 Million Effort To Build Thousands Of Electric Vehicle Chargers
28 August, 2020
California on Thursday approved a $437 million effort to build thousands of electric vehicle chargers, its utility regulator said, calling it the nation's largest utility program to expand charging infrastructure.The money will go to utility Southern California Edison to fund the installation of nearly 40,000 chargers, the California Public Utilities Commission said in a statement.
Intermediaries In Automotive: EFG Hermes’ and GB Auto’s Partnership to Acquire an Insurance Company
27 August, 2020
EFG Hermes through its Non-bank financial institution (NBFI) EFG Hermes Finance Holding and GB Auto through its NBFI GB Capital announced Thursday the completion of a 75 percent stake acquisition in Tokio Marine Egypt Family Takaful, in a deal worth LE 84.75 million. "The move aligns perfectly with our vision for the future, which sees our subsidiary business expanding as we diversify our portfolio of offerings in the leasing, consumer finance, factoring, micro finance, mortgage finance, securitization, fleet- leasing arenas and e- payments to cater a wider segment of clients, both corporate and individual,” , Chairman and CEO of GB Auto (AUTO on the EGX) Raouf Ghabbour commented.
MENA 2020. Saudi Arabia & Egypt alleviate market loss in the First Half (-23.3%)
21 August, 2020
Source: Focus2Move
MENA Car Market in the First Half of 2020 dropped down 23.3% at 749.064 sales. Saudi Arabia and Egypt were the only positive countries, gaining respectively 6.2% and 28.7%. All other markets declined in double-digits. In 2019, the MENA market reported a positive performance, selling 1.99 million units, up 3.2% from the previous year.After a great start in 2020 -with Year to Date February sales up in double-digits (+12.9%) – the market has deteriorated in March due to the Coronavirus outbreak, leading the Q1 marginally down (-2.5%). The market was also largely hit in the following months, which dragged registrations down 23.3% in the First Half of the year at 749.064 sales. Looking at the ranking by country, Saudi Arabia was able to end the first half on a positive tone, thanks to a purchase rush created in June and benefiting from an impressive start. The other only positive market was Egypt – actually the best – with sales up 28.7%.
Amazon to Help Toyota Build Cloud-based Data Services
17 August, 2020
Amazon.com Inc's cloud computing unit will help Toyota Motor Corp. build a platform to help manage and monetize data gathered from the automaker's global vehicle fleet, the companies said Monday.Toyota said its Mobility Services Platform will enable it to process and analyze data that can be used to develop vehicle services from ride and car sharing to behavior-based insurance and maintenance notifications.
Egypt Automotive Seeks Recovery From COVID-19 Fallout
11 August,2020
Source: Daily News Egypt
Hope is gradually returning to the automotive market, with the gradual waning of the pandemic in its strength and the decision to co-exist with the virus. As the pandemic has caused significant damage to most of the economic sectors worldwide, and most notably in the auto sector which has witnessed a significant decline in sales. Mahmoud Hammad, head of the used car sector at the Egyptian Automotive Dealers Association, said the current high demand for used cars is due to consumer’s finding the lower prices of used cars more attractive.
Valvoline Reports Third-Quarter Financial Results With Sequential Sales Improvements
4 August, 2020
Source: Aftermarket News
Valvoline Inc. has reported financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020. “Our results this quarter demonstrate the resiliency of our business model and show that we have taken the steps necessary to effectively manage our operational response and maintain financial flexibility during the crisis.” said Sam Mitchell, CEO.
Egypt 2020. First half sales up 28.7% with Chevrolet leader ahead of Hyundai
4 August, 2020
Source: Focus2Move
According to data released by the local Association of Car Manufacturers, the Egyptian light vehicles market started the 2020 with booming trend, with sales up 81.9% in the first two months, before to start declining, hit by the growing emergency created by covid 19 spread.However, the first quarter ended with sales up 79.3%, before to assist at a progressive deterioration in the second quarter.
MEMA Supports Renewing Copyrighted Software Exemptions
27 July,2020
Source: Aftermarket News
On behalf of its two divisions, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing divisions, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) reiterated its support under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to renew current exemptions that allow greater access to vehicle software for diagnostic and repair services by independent repair providers. Prior to 2018, the repair exemption for vehicle software had only applied to vehicle owners. Later on, it expanded to allow for third-party providers to service vehicles on behalf of owners.
Enhanced Partnership to Improve ADAS Cameras Between Ford and Intel Company Mobiley
20 July 2020
The partnership between Ford and Mobiley will result in better camera-based detection abilities for ADAS. This is meant to improve many features such as forward collision warnings and lane keeping assistance. This is the first time Ford had committed to Mobiley technology throughout the entire products life of its next generation vehicles.
European Investment Bank Supports Egypt's Transport Sector
19 July 2020
European Investment Bank’s (EIB) board of directors approved to provide Egypt with €1.9 billion in funding, Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al Mashat announced Sunday. Al-Mashat clarified that €1.1 billion is to finance three projects in the transportation sector with the National Authority for Tunnels, adding that EIB will provide loan of € 800 million to the National Bank of Egypt in support of small and medium enterprises for the post-Covid19 recovery.
Egypt first globally to have Uber intercity bus
19 July 2020
Source: Egypt Business Directory
Egyptians can now book their next trip between Cairo and Alexandria via Uber app. The company announced the launch of its intercity transport service with a route between Cairo and Alexandria as a first step before expanding to more governorates. Egypt was chosen as the first market globally to launch this service as a testing environment.
MAHLE Uses 3-D Printing To Produce Aluminum Pistons Successfully For Porsche
14 July 2020
As part of a cooperation with sports car manufacturer Porsche and mechanical engineering company Trumpf, MAHLE has produced high-performance aluminum pistons using 3-D printing techniques for the first time. The pistons were successfully tested on the engine test bench for Porsche’s 911 GT2 RS sports car. Whereas standard forged pistons have reached the limits of their performance potential, it is conceivable that the power of the 700 HP Porsche engine could be boosted by 30 HP with an associated increase in efficiency. MAHLE is specifically developing its expertise in 3D printing, so that, in the future, it will also be able to support its customers in the field of alternative drives, including electric drives, by supplying suitable components for drives, thermal management, and mechatronics promptly.
Lasting Impacts Of COVID-19 On E-Commerce In The U.S
9 July 2020
The Auto Care Association hosted a webinar on June 25 on the “Lasting Impacts on Traditional and E-Commerce Channels Due to COVID-19.” During the webinar, industry experts discussed the most recent data, trends and impacts of the pandemic on the aftermarket covering a range of topics from e-commerce fulfilment to social media influence on consumer behavior and retail e-commerce trends. “The quarantine provided consumers the opportunity to try new things, work on their cars and we are seeing some stickiness in that area,” said Horn. With his own set of data backing up Horn’s research, Nathan Shipley, executive director, U.S. Automotive for NPD Group, noted a significant return to growth over the past several weeks in certain “front-room categories” in retail segments, including “buy online, pick up in store” offerings at retailers such as O’Reilly, Pep Boys and Walmart.
Egypt to Start Production of Electric Cars 2021 with a 300 EGP Expected Consumer Price
29 June 2020
Minister of Public Enterprise Hisham Tawfik stated in a phone-in Sunday that Egypt will produce 25,000 electric cars annually starting 2021, and that the vehicle will cost the consumer LE 300,000. The car will be produced by El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Co. and by the end of 2021, the car will be available for consumers. The minister expressed hope that half the production is purchased by taxi drivers given that the electric vehicle requires less maintenance than regular ones.
Daily Automotive Corona Virus Briefing From Just Auto
22 June 2020
Source: just auto
Just Auto offers free daily updates on the impact of COVID-19 on the automotive industry. It features relevant and recent news from across the globe on the automotive sector and how governments and companies are dealing with the Corona virus pandemic.
Ford recalls Pickups due to Brake Master-Cylinder issue
17 June 2020
Source: Africa Automotive News
Ford motor company has recalled certain F-150 full-size pickup trucks which might have a leaking brake master cylinder. Included in the recall are select 2014-17 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine.In affected vehicles, the brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the brake master cylinder front-wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Egypt featured in EMEA’s Business Services Landscape
15 June 2020
Source: Daily News Egypt
gypt was selected among 18 countries by the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL), a leading international non-profit organisation, as world-class destinations for business services in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa region (EMEA). The report highlighted the availability of talent in Egypt giving it an edge, whilst allowing it to set itself apart from other near-shore destinations. As a result, Egypt can offer companies the possibility to implement service centres on a large scale.
Coexistence with COVID-19 revives Egypt’s car market
9 June 2020
Source: Daily News Egypt
With the state’s decision to coexist with the virus, the question now is if the car market can rebound. Ahmed Al-Ghorab, director of B Auto, a car trading company, said that, based on the current vision and an application of the divergence policy, there should be an increase in car sales. This comes on the back of a general reluctance to use public transport in the coming period to avoid the further spread of the disease. There are also a range of other challenges facing the automotive sector, as it, along with other businesses, adapts the way it works in line with coexisting with the virus.
Toyota unveils COVID-19 ambulance
4 May 2020
Source: Africa Automotive News
has designed a special vehicle specifically for COVID-19 patients, with the tailor-made transportation taking into account the highly-contagious nature of coronavirus.The special ambulance was developed for Showa University Hospital in Japan, based on requests from medical facilities in the country, and includes a number of unusual features.
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