Ethiopia has opened Bishoftu Automative Industry at a military base north of its capital, Addis Ababa. It is the East African nation’s first vehicle manufacturing and assembly factory.

The engine and body manufacturing plant is expected to produce up to 20 000 vehicles per year for both local consumers and export, using local labour to generate an annual US$96 million for the economy and boost the country’s car-to-people ratio, which currently stands at around two cars for every thousand people.

According to an AFKInsider report, the factory will manufacture and assemble pickups, station wagons, single and double cabins, as well as minibuses. It has also secured a contract from the UN to produce armoured vehicles for its peacekeeping missions in Africa.

17 November 2015
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