The Power of Mobility: New strategy and branding for GB Corp

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Africa Auto News

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January 23, 2023

The Power of Mobility: New strategy and branding for GB Corp

GB Auto group announced that it will be rebranding to “GB Corp”. The new brand identity consolidates its leadership position across many vital economic and industrial sectors over more than 80 years. It also reinforces the Group’s strategy which has let it become an institutionally-regulated economic organization that strongly contributes to achieving its ambitions in light of shifting local and global economic landscapes.

Nader Ghabbour, CEO of GB Corp, affirmed: “The launch serves as a recognition of our reputable legacy, as well as GB Corp’s commitment to fulfil its role in economic and social growth, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030. The new strategic direction is centered around sustainable business practices that are focused on digital transformation, green transition and women empowerment.”

“The Power of Mobility” embodies GB Corp’s vision and mission, while highlighting the company’s role as a catalyst in enabling social and economic prosperity through supporting its customers in achieving new aspirations. In addition, GB Corp aims to create one unified entity, where GB Corp’s subsidiaries – GB Auto, GB Capital, GB Logistics, GB Ventures, GB Academy and the Ghabbour Foundation for Development – will adopt the unified vision and values of the company.

GB Corp’s new identity strategy focuses on two main pillars: (1) digital transformation and (2) sustainable development. To expedite digitalization, the company has implemented various projects which place the customer experience journey at the center of its operations through mobile applications and chatbots, digitalized sales and after-sales centers, as well as loyalty programs.

On sustainability, the company successfully conducted its first carbon footprint assessment 2020/21 and set specific GHG reduction targets. GB Corp plans to install solar PV systems at all its manufacturing facilities by 2024 which will supply up to 40% of the facilities’ annual energy needs. The company has also launched an initiative to recycle all metal, plastic, paper and other waste. In addition, a phase-out plan is currently being implemented across all manufacturing facilities to replace diesel with natural gas and renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, the company aims to empower women in the automotive industry and Electric Vehicles (EV) market. The Ghabbour Foundation for Development signed an agreement with Alexandria Bank to design an integrated program to qualify female students to work in the automotive technical sector. The Foundation also collaborated with HSBC Egypt to qualify and empower a class of young men and women to become specialized technicians in the maintenance of EVs. Finally, the Foundation partnered with Banque Misr Foundation to financially support students of the Foundation’s Applied Technology school during three years of education.

LATIN TYRE & AUTO PARTS EXPO 2023

Africa Auto News

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January 13, 2023

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The LATIN TYRE & AUTO PARTS EXPO are the most important tire and auto part shows in Latin America and the place to be if you want to grow your business in Latin America and the Caribbean! The upcoming edition will be in the all-new Panama Convention Center in Panama which features 59,000 m2 of space. 450+ international exhibitors will be present, from tire manufacturers, tire service and repair companies, retreading, wheels, auto part manufacturers, auto service, tools and equipment, etc. Educational and training sessions with top industry leaders, networking events, and much more are included with your registration.

June 14-16, 2023

Panama, Rep. of Panama

Panama Convention Center

Automaker Kiira banks on investors for its $2 billion city

Africa Auto News

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January 11, 2023

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Automaker Kiira banks on investors for its $2 billion city

Uganda’s automaker Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is banking on regional and international investors for its ambitious $2 billion automotive city, dedicated to driving local content in its manufacturing value chain.

According to a project summary seen by The EastAfrican, the private investors are expected to raise $1.43 billion or 72 percent of the $1,979,542,111 total investment. For its part, KMC will invest $540 million, half of which will be financed by equity and the other half by debt.

Although the facility will be developed over a 25-year cycle, the initial phase running for eight years to 2030, aims to account for 65 percent of the value of the supply chain by that time.

Projections show that the investment is expected to break-even from the ninth year. Players in the project are expected to develop the capacity to supply some of their products to other automotive manufacturers that may set-up elsewhere in Africa.

Auto accessories

Set on two square-miles at a site 173km north-east of Kampala, the facility will complement the 5,000 buses and trucks-a-year initial facility nearing launch on the outskirts of Jinja.

Dubbed Uganda Eco-Automotive Industrial and Technology Park, the expansive facility will house an electric-mobility research, skilling and innovation centre, as well as a multiplicity of automotive component manufacturers, a larger motor vehicle plant for KMC, extensive vehicle proving grounds, and the company’s corporate headquarters.

The partners manufacture automotive accessories including air and fuel filters, brake pads, glass, seats, lithium-ion batteries, bolts and nuts, wiring harnesses, tyres, electronics and bamboo boards, on-site. Part of the land will be dedicated to a Free Economic Zone, a hospital complex, commercial centres, recreation parks, schools, low, medium and high-density housing, a solar farm, logistic centres and park management services.

Source: The East African

Tata Motors commences deliveries of the Ace EV

Africa Auto News

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January 11, 2023

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Tata Motors commences deliveries of the Ace EV

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer,has marked a significant leap forward in offering sustainable mobility solutions for intra-city cargo transport by commencing deliveries of the all-new Ace EV, India’s most advanced, zero-emission, four-wheel small commercial vehicle. The first fleet of the revolutionary Ace EV was delivered to leading e-commerce, FMCG and courier companies, and their logistics service providers: Amazon, Amplus EV, Delhivery, DHL (Express & Supply Chain), FedEx, Flipkart, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, MoEVing, Safexpress and Trent Limited.

The new Ace EV, unveiled in May 2022 and co-developed in rich collaboration with its users, has successfully completed stringent real-world market trials. Supported by a diligently curated ecosystem, the Ace EV comes with a holistic solution for hassle free e-cargo mobility and 5-year comprehensive maintenance package. Its robust performance with 100% uptime received an overwhelming response from customers. The Ace EV’s supporting ecosystem includes development and deployment of charging infrastructure, setting up of dedicated Electric Vehicle Support Centres for maximum fleet uptime, deployment of Tata Fleet Edge – the next-gen optimal fleet management solution, support of Tata UniEVerse, the proven enabling eco-system of relevant Tata Group companies, and partnerships with the country’s leading financiers for availing funding.

Flagging the first fleet of Ace EVs, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, “The introduction of the Ace EVs on Indian roads marks a big step forward in the journey towards zero-emission cargo mobility.The holistic solution co-created with our partners effectively caters to a variety of intra-city distribution needs and delivers a superior value proposition to all stakeholders. We are grateful for the trust and support of our customers. Their encouraging response to Ace EV inspires us to accelerate our endeavour of sustainable mobility and support the nation’s net-zero aspirations.”

The Ace EV is the first product featuring Tata Motors’ EVOGEN powertrain that offers an unparalleled certified range of 154 kilometres. It delivers a safe, all-weather operation with an advanced battery cooling system and regenerative braking system to boost the driving range. The vehicle allows regular and fast charging capabilities for high uptime. It is powered by a 27kW (36hp) motor with 130Nm of peak torque, to ensure highest cargo volume of 208 ft³ and grade-ability of 22% allowing easy ascend in fully loaded conditions. The Ace EV’s container is made of lightweight, durable materials that perfectly suit the requirements of e-commerce logistics.

Bridgestone unveils new EMIA headquarters

Africa Auto News

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January 10, 2023

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Bridgestone unveils new EMIA headquarters

Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has relocated its Europe, Middle East, India and Africa headquarters to a better connected, collaborative and sustainable office on the outskirts of Brussels. The new location is a short distance from Bridgestone’s prior office at the Corporate Village, covering three floors at Da Vincilaan 1, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium.

The Bridgestone EMIA headquarters is home to the organisation’s sales, retail, tyre solutions and support function teams who represent more than 36 nationalities. Bridgestone’s employees and visitors benefit from close access to Brussels Airport and the Belgian motorway network, as well as a brand-new cycle highway and a myriad of public transport options. The building is located a short walk from Zaventem town centre and offers green spaces, electric vehicle chargers, on-site fitness facilities and various catering options.

The interior of the office space has been custom-designed to offer various options for flexible working, in line with the company’s smart working philosophy, while meeting spaces have been fitted with technology to enable seamless and engaging collaboration with hybrid teams from across the world. Furniture has been selected with sustainability in mind by re-using existing furniture and choosing only local suppliers, while finishings used across the office space, including carpets and wall coverings, make use of recycled and sustainably sourced materials.

“This move to our new Bridgestone EMIA headquarters has given us the opportunity to create a desirable working space that meets the needs of our global, hybrid teams as we adapt to a smart working pattern”, commented Laurent Dartoux, President & CEO of Bridgestone EMIA, “Our people now benefit from a better connected, more collaborative and sustainable working environment and due to the location, our Bridgestone brand also benefits from the visibility from one of Belgium’s busiest highways. This truly is an office to be proud of and we look forward to welcoming our partners to visit in the new year.”

Ana Green Tech Africa Company launches Electric Tuktuks to promote Green Energy in Mombasa

Africa Auto News

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January 10, 2023

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Ana Green Tech Africa Company launches Electric Tuktuks to promote Green Energy in Mombasa

A Mombasa based tech company Ana Green Tech Africa has launched electric three-wheelers commonly referred to as Tuktuks which are expected to hit the market by March this year. The company, an affiliate of Green Tech Africa, an East African company that sells electric vehicles with the aim of promoting green energy and creating sustainable growth through employment and innovation.

The tuktuks Model Geni-80 are manufactured in China and were assembled at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) in Miritini. The three wheelers carry three passengers and are fitted with a battery power of 4.38 kWh with a range per single charge of 100 kilometers.

Speaking during the event, Amina Ibrahim, the company director said that they had a vision to build their own manufacturing plant in the next four years which will open job opportunities for many residents.

“Our entry into Mombasa is focused on making the county to be the hub of Ana Green Tech supporting all our other offices in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Rwanda, Uganda and other East African countries. This will also see us putting the city of Mombasa on the Kenyan map of electric vehicles,” said Ibrahim.

The Geni-80 has a portable charge with it, and it can be charged at home on regular socket outlet like a mobile phone.

“It has no Engine, so avoids engine repair and overhaul and is also cost saving on spare parts because it has no periodic serviced parts like the air filter fuel filler, oil filter and doesn’t need oil and lubricants,” Ibrahim said.

The nine tuktuks she said where brought in for research purposes as they explore the market needs and demands before making the shipment for sale come March this year.

“What we found out when we brought these is that we need bigger tuktuks with bigger storage place because that’s what we have in the market,” she said.

The current market price for the tuktuks is Sh500,000 but she said that once here the actual price will range for between Sh550,000 to Sh600,000.

So far the company has installed two charging points within the county, one around Agha Khan and the other at Sabaki Motors in Ganjoni.

“We are currently seeking a location for charging stations that is why we are bringing in the county government of Mombasa to partner with us to set up all infrastructures in place to support this innovation get into the market smoothly,” Ibrahim said.

Engineer Albert Keino, the chief officer department of Transport and Infrastructure said that Mombasa has experienced an upsurge of three wheelers over the years. Currently there are about 10,000 tuktuks in Mombasa with only 7,000 registered officially with the county.

Keino said that this is presenting both opportunities to the people as well as challenges in terms of traffic congestion, constrain in spare parts and space to put up public transport systems as well as to the environment”

“The solution from entrepreneurs like Ana Green Tech Africa and other likeminded investors is welcomed in the city,” Keino said.

He added that electric mobility is among the many innovative ways of solving challenges to the environment through reduction of carbon green emissions.

“It is also compliance to the United Nations sustainable development goals that puts emphasize on clean and healthy environment that will give way to productivity and progress,” Keino said.

In regard to space to do the infrastructure to support electric vehicles, Keino promised that the county through the department will look into it.

A recent Green House Emission (GHE) inventory on the transport sector in Mombasa revealed that the tuktuks are the biggest emitters in the city.

Basil Muga, the chief sustainability officer at the environment and climate change department said that the invention of electric tuktuks goes a long way in supporting the department’s sustainability efforts especially in regard to sustainable transportation.

Muga said that it was encouraging to see that the space is increasingly coming open to players in the e-mobility sector and more particularly in the three wheelers.

“We have been grappling with ways of trying to mitigate that in the context of climate change and this will help us address the issue significantly,” he said.

Africa Automotive Show at IATF 2023 a boost to regional integration as countries prepare to trade under AfCFTA

Africa Auto News

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December 1, 2022

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Africa Automotive Show at IATF 2023 a boost to regional integration as countries prepare to trade under AfCFTA

The Africa Automotive Show will take place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire as part of the 3rd Intra African Trade Fair (IATF2023) from November 21-27, 2023, the organisers have announced.

As the vision for automotive industrialisation and growth of Africa materialises, the Africa Automotive Show is the ideal platform for all role-players in the automotive value chain to connect from across the continent and globally.

“The aim is for the Africa Automotive Show to be the single most important trade and business development gathering for all automotive role-players, from raw material suppliers, vehicle and component manufacturers, dealers, importers, aftermarket parts manufacturers and suppliers as well as those from the financial and allied industries – from all parts of the continent,’’ says Africa Automotive Show Director Andrew Binning.

Binning said the Africa Automotive Show – hosted by the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) – is a key activity of the cross-sectoral IATF2023 and would include a dedicated automotive exhibition, a high-level conference and match-making meetings.

“As the event is focussed on trade and partnerships promoting the development of regional automotive value-chains, participants representing all aspects of the automotive value-chain will be attending the week-long event in Cote d’Ivoire next year. ” Binning said.

IATF2023, hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and AfCFTA is anticipated to draw 35 000 visitors from 75 countries and 1600 exhibitors to conclude around $43bn in trade and investment deals.

The African Automotive Show as part of IATF2023 will provide “a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Binning said.

Dave Coffey the CEO of AAAM said “Cote d’Ivoire and the West African region provides an excellent and relevant location for this edition of “Africa’s premier automotive show.”

“We believe the Africa Automotive Show is well timed as the automotive industry is gaining traction in Africa where we will see trading of vehicles between assembly hubs across the continent supported by the development of regional value chains. Cote d’Ivoire are currently developing their competitive automotive value proposition that will have profound economic benefits for the country and region in the medium and long term. In collaboration with Ghana and other countries in West Africa that develop their sustainable automotive niche, this will drive scale and real industrialisation”, concluded Coffey.

Exhibition bookings and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Global Auto becomes BMW Group Importer in Egypt

Africa Auto News

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December 1, 2022

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Global Auto becomes BMW Group Importer in Egypt

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.

Global Auto Group was established as a result of a successful partnership between Kuwait’s Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, Al-Organi Group, and Al-Safi Group of Egypt.

With over three decades of experience serving the premium car market in Kuwait and Iraq as a BMW Group importer, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive has established an excellent reputation in the region.

Similarly, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors is the exclusive BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce importer in Saudi Arabia for over two decades, and it has a stellar track record of sales and aftersales services.

Both veteran entities, in collaboration with the two large Egyptian groups, are confident of replicating the sales success they have reached in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq by offering the highest quality premium products and aftersales services, while maintaining strong customer satisfaction.

Catering to the growing demand for BMW and MINI in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Global Auto has an ambitious plan for expanding its presence in the Egyptian market. Their plan includes refurbishing the existing showrooms and service centres of the two premium brands, along with opening new showrooms and service centres across the country, especially in new urban cities, while adopting the new global BMW Group corporate identity (BMW Retail Next).

Global Auto also shares BMW Group’s commitment to sustainability, focusing primarily on conserving natural resources. To achieve this goal, Global Auto will introduce BMW I all-electric cars in the Egyptian market, along with using electricity generated from solar energy and water recycling methods in its new showrooms — all in line with BMW Group’s ultimate goal of becoming a fully sustainable company and aligned with Egypt’s 2030 Vision and its sustainable development plans.

Aside from offering customers in Egypt the full range of BMW, BMW M, BMW I, MINI vehicles, BMW Premium Selection pre-owned cars, Global Auto also provides a one-stop shop for its clients, including financing plans and insurance schemes.

During the event, Rinn expressed his gratitude for returning to Egypt saying: “I am very thankful to be back in the fascinating city of Cairo to congratulate the country’s government for hosting a successful United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh. Moreover, to share important news on the future of the BMW Group in Egypt. It gives me great honour to officially announce that I have appointed Global Auto as new importer for BMW and MINI in Egypt — one of the most important markets for BMW Group in Africa, where we will offer our full range of mobility solutions because there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to individual customer needs, especially in Egypt.”

For his part, Alghanim said: “We are proud to be appointed the new BMW and MINI importer in Egypt and we look forward to serving all current and future BMW and MINI owners. Egypt’s rapidly growing automotive market offers a huge opportunity for investment, and we are confident that we will grow the BMW and MINI to greater heights, hence strengthening the luxury brands’ positions in Egypt’s premium automotive market. In the next few years, Global Auto will also invest over EGP 1bn, creating 2,000 new jobs to offer our customers a state-of-the-art retail and service experience that goes beyond their expectations.”

Additionally, Kandeel described the company’s vision and strategy for BMW’s and MINI’s customers: “We are committed to delivering the best-in-class sales and aftersales services and personalised experiences for our customers, on a par with BMW Group’s global standards. As of next Saturday, sales, vehicle ordering, and aftersales services will start in all our showrooms and service centres.”

“Thanks to our highly trained team of energetic and young professionals, we will provide our loyal customers with complete peace of mind and hassle-free ownership experience. We will also offer our customers a variety of digital services, including checking the availability of new BMW and MINI vehicles, booking test drives, and reserving cars or booking service appointments.”

“Additionally, Global Auto will introduce a number of new services for the first time for BMW and MINI customers in Egypt, such as door-to-door service by sending a qualified representative from Global Auto’s service centre to collect the car from the customer and take it to the service centre for maintenance, then return it to the customer’s preferred location — whether it’s their home or workplace — this service also allows the customers to pay by online payment solutions, and for the first time we are offering ‘Workshop Video’ services, which enables the customer to receive a video report of their car inside the service centre to inform them about the condition of the car and the works required for repair,” he added.

“For the first time in Egypt, Global Auto will offer an industry-leading three-year or 60,000 km (whichever comes first) service inclusive package and a five-year or 200,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty for all BMW and MINI cars —whether imported or locally assembled — including special-order models as well,” Kandeel concluded.

Stellantis invest in Africar Group to create Auto24, African used vehicle start-up

Africa Auto News

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November 14, 2022

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Stellantis invest in Africar Group to create Auto24, African used vehicle start-up

Stellantis invest in Africar Group to create Auto24, a new subsidiary of Africar Group, launches its activities in Ivory Coast. Africar Group is a class leading and multi country digital automotive marketplace across Sub-Saharan Africa. Stellantis investment aims at accelerating its used vehicle (UV) business on the buoyant African UV market. Auto24 is a faster and safer way to buy and sell used vehicles in Africa.

Auto24 is a direct to consumer used car company that brings new, innovative solutions ensuring transactions are conducted in a transparent and secure way.

With the African population set to reach 1.7 billion by 2030 and a car-park already at 50 million units[1], Stellantis has taken a stake in Africar Group to create Auto24 and take advantage of this market potential. This investment is a new building block in the global strategy of Stellantis to develop its mobility solution portfolio and reinforce its commitment to customer centricity. It is also an illustration of the plan Dare Forward 2030, in one of the seven accretive businesses targeted by Stellantis.

Operating in more than 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Africar Group is Africa’s leading online automotive marketplace network. During the last five years, it has enabled over 25 million car buyers and sellers to trade used cars through its online channels. Axel PEYRIERE, co-Founder & CEO of Africar Group said, “After more than five years of working with automotive manufacturers, distributors and other key players in the industry, we have developed a class leading, multi country digital automotive solution across Sub-Saharan Africa. Auto24 is being launched today with the aim to buttress the confidence of African customers in the used vehicle market. A great challenge that will allow to have a secure, convenient, trustworthy and enjoyable buying or selling used vehicle experience.”

Xavier Duchemin, Senior Vice President of the Pre-Owned Vehicles business unit at Stellantis declares: “This investment in Africar Group to create Auto24, re-enforces our strategy to grow our used vehicle business activity globally in a bold, pragmatic and agile way. It will follow the same blueprint as per the other Stellantis investments in the used vehicle ecosystem. The founders will accelerate the development of their activities while capitalizing on Stellantis yet maintaining the inventiveness, energy and agility that characterizes start-up companies.”.

In Middle East and Africa, Stellantis is the third OEM aiming to become the leading automotive group in the region with over 1 million new vehicles sold per year by 2030.

“In Sub-Saharan Africa, Stellantis offers the largest network coverage of the automotive industry with close to 124 points of sales and maintenance. Today, the partnership with Africar Group through its subsidiary Auto24 will allow us to expand our offer of mobility solutions that widely meets the customer needs in Africa.” said Mr. Samir CHERFAN, Stellantis Middle East & Africa Chief Operating Officer.

[1] Extrapoled from OICA report : https://bit.ly/3Wv9BjI

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africar Group.

Buhari to inaugurate Nord’s multi-billion naira auto assembly plant in UNILAG

Africa Auto News

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October 31, 2022

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Buhari to inaugurate Nord’s multi-billion naira auto assembly plant in UNILAG

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to inaugurate an ultra-modern auto assembly plant built by Nord Automobile company inside the premises of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Dropping this hint last week, the chairman of Nord Automobiles Limited, Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi, said the company was excited in by its partnership with UNILAG, which he said was a win-win relationship.

Three months ago, UNILAG and Nord Automobiles entered a partnership in which the latter was to establish an assembly plant on the premises of the foremost educational institution and also engage its engineering students.

As part of the collaboration, which is the first of its kind in Africa, Nord is to offer “practical training of willing and qualified students of the school in the assembling of cars, repair, service and maintenance of automobiles.”

The out-going vice-chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, had said, “What we are doing today is innovation Triple Elite Model in which we are bringing the industry to the campus. This should be the first time this type of thing will be happening in a university in Africa.

“This will be a great opportunity for our students in different departments to contribute to the development of automobiles in Nigeria.”

Nord Automobiles, a Nigerian automotive manufacturer with headquarters in Lagos, delivers quality expertise in the value chain – which includes the design, sourcing, development, assembling, distribution, marketing, provision of sales and after-sales service of Nigerian branded automobiles.

Its range of Nigerian branded vehicles includes the Nord Tank, Nord Max, Nord Tusk, Nord Flit, Nord A3 Sedan, Nord A5 SUV, Nord A7 SUV, Nord Yarn, Nord Tripper and Nord Lasgi, among others.