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Addis Ababa has prohibited the import of combustion-engine vehicles, compelling drivers to transition to electric vehicles in a country with just a single public charging station. In January, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics took a bold step of banning all imports of gasoline and diesel vehicles, thereby necessitating Ethiopian drivers to adopt electric vehicles. This unprecedented and astonishing decision comes despite the fact that less than half of the population has access to electricity. Yizengaw Yitayih, a senior climate expert at the ministry, explained that the rationale behind such a drastic regulation was “primarily an economic strategy. The directive primarily aims to assist us in rationalizing our foreign currency expenditures.” With a population of 120 million, Ethiopia faces a severe scarcity of foreign currency and is striving to decrease its reliance on gasoline and diesel imports, which are projected to surpass €6 billion by 2023, according to government statistics. Samson said, “Mandating Ethiopians to switch to electric vehicles allows the government to achieve dual objectives: reducing fuel imports and introducing a forward-thinking environmental policy.” Maybe you’d like to read:

To fortify their presence in North Africa, Geely, Chery, and JAC have announced plans to establish car manufacturing facilities in Algeria. This was revealed by Li Jian, the Chinese Ambassador to Algeria. The move is a strategic response to Algeria’s import restrictions, which were implemented in 2023 to bolster the domestic automotive industry. Algeria’s economy has been on a decline for several consecutive years, prompting local authorities to adopt measures aimed at revitalizing the industry. By restricting automobile imports, the Algerian government hoped to incentivize car companies to set up manufacturing plants within the country. The strategy seems to be bearing fruit, as confirmed by the Chinese Ambassador, with three automakers now poised to assemble cars in North Africa. According to an interview with Li Jian, the three Chinese automakers — Geely, Chery, and JAC — will soon establish car manufacturing operations in Algeria. It is noteworthy that JAC already has a light truck KD plant in the country. In contrast, Geely and Chery do not have any industrial footprint in North Africa yet. While details about JAC’s upcoming manufacturing facility in Algeria remain scarce, Chery officials shared in November 2023 that they intend to build a plant in Bordj Bou Arreridji. This facility will initially have a production capacity of 24,000 units per year, which is expected to increase to 100,000 vehicles per year within the next three years. The factory will also serve as an export hub for other North African countries. Geely’s plans in Algeria were unveiled by its local partner, Sovidem. The company’s General Manager reported that the Chinese automaker intends to invest $200 million to construct an automotive assembly plant in the country. The plant is expected to have an initial production capacity of 50,000 units per year and will commence operations in 2026. The first model to be produced at the Geely Algeria plant will be the GX3 Pro, a small crossover that was launched in China in 2017 under the joint Livan (Ruilan) brand of Geely and Lifan. The GX3 Pro, which measures 4005/1760/1575 mm, is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT, and is sold in various regions including Latin America, Central Asia, and Africa. Maybe you’d like to read:

On October 18, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa is contemplating the implementation of tax incentives or subsidies for consumers to stimulate the purchase of electric vehicles, amidst the country’s transition towards a more industrialized automotive economy in Africa. Prominent global automakers such as Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, and Toyota produce models in South Africa for both domestic and European markets. Collectively, Britain and the European Union account for 46% of the vehicles manufactured in the country.Ramaphosa, speaking at an automotive industry conference, noted that the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable fuels, coupled with stringent regulations in key markets, is exerting pressure on global automakers to pivot towards electric and hybrid models. Consequently, South Africa’s automotive industry is positioning itself to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for new energy vehicles. To foster the production of electric cars within the country, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed in his February budget that the government will introduce an allowance for new investments from March 1, 2026. This allowance will permit producers to deduct 150% of eligible investment expenses related to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the initial year. Maybe you’d like to read:

As a brand, MAXUS is acutely aware of the challenges associated with transitioning to electric vehicles. To alleviate these difficulties, MAXUS has established a comprehensive business advisory service aimed at enlightening business owners and fleet managers about the advantages of EVs. This service also offers a pragmatic assessment of their current progress towards eco-friendlier transportation and outlines the necessary steps for their next moves. Accessible at every MAXUS dealership nationwide, this service equips customers with a meticulous, step-by-step roadmap to facilitate a seamless transition to electric vehicles. The exceptional quality of service rendered is among the compelling reasons why MAXUS was honored as the Best Manufacturer Van Service at the Business Vans 2024 Awards. Integral to this business advisory service, MAXUS collaborates intimately with customers seeking to adopt an electric fleet. This involves conducting local site assessments to ascertain that adequate supporting infrastructure, inclusive of charging stations, is in place to keep emission-free vans operational. Through MAXUS Intelligence Onboard telematics, dealerships can further empower businesses contemplating the switch to EVs by granting them access to crucial data. This includes comparisons of operational costs between EV fleets and their current internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, fuel efficiency metrics, the total cost of EV ownership, and the carbon emissions reduced by transitioning to electric vehicles. MAXUS stands by each customer, ensuring they are fully prepared to embark on the journey to electric motoring at their own pace. The brand adopts a customer-centric approach, offering a meticulous, step-by-step guidance system to guarantee a seamless transition to electric driving for every business. This distinctive offering is a hallmark of all MAXUS dealerships. Maybe you’d like to read:

Skywell, a division of Chinese consumer electronics giant Skyworth, plans to debut in the UK commercial vehicle market in 2025 with its new electric van, codenamed ‘233.’ Scheduled for launch at the CV Show in April, the vehicle marks Skywell’s UK entry following the November release of its BE11 SUV. The 233 will be offered in two body lengths (5,490mm and 5,990mm) and two roof heights (2,200mm and 2,700mm), providing a load volume of approximately 9.5 to 13 cubic meters. Customers can choose between a 3.5t or 4.25t gross vehicle mass (GVM), with the latter capable of carrying up to 1,755Kg. Powered by a 204PS electric motor, the van can be equipped with an 88kWh or 105kWh battery, though range details are still forthcoming. Pricing will be revealed at the CV Show. UK imports are managed by Innovation Automotive, the company behind DFSK. Maybe you’d like to read:

IVECO, a leading manufacturer of trucks and commercial vehicles, and its UAE dealer, Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi & Sons (SMAG), recently introduced their new Dubai Industrial City (DIC) facility to customers and the transportation industry. This marks IVECO’s expanded presence in the UAE. The new, fully air-conditioned DIC facility boasts a workshop, parts sales and warehouse, and an IVECO Certified Pre-Owned sales center. SMAG officials announced that the company will maintain operations at its Ras Al Khor location, which will be transformed into a Daily van center specializing in IVECO’s light vehicle range, while the DIC facility will offer the full truck brand lineup. During the event, attendees witnessed the IVECO full range, including the T-Way 6×4 Rigid for heavy-duty tasks, the S-Way 4×2 tractor head, the Eurocargo medium range in 4×2 on-road and 4×4 off-road versions, and the Daily Hi-Matic 5.2 tonnes GVW for the light range. The event attracted over 80 guests, including UAE Ministry of Transport officials, local authority representatives, body manufacturers, press, and fleet and retail customers. As the official IVECO dealer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, SMAG emphasized its commitment to providing the UAE market with a trusted brand and reliable business partners for diverse missions. Maybe you’d like to read:

The Albanian General Directorate of Road Transport Services (DPSHTRR) has reported a substantial rise in the number of electric vehicle registrations during the first five months of 2024. The latest figures indicate that 1,068 new electric vehicles were registered in Albania between January and May of this year, an 81% increase year-on-year. This upward trend reflects a growing appetite and acceptance for electric vehicles in the country. Now, the total number of electric cars(EVs) in Albania has climbed to 4,369, representing an increase of 2,397 compared to 2019. This underscores the swift adoption of eco-friendly transportation options by Albanian drivers. Moreover, hybrid vehicles have also witnessed great growth, with 2,119 new registrations recorded in the first five months of 2024. The General Directorate of Road Transport Services estimates that these hybrids have helped reduce the country’s annual carbon emissions by 1,409,760 kg. Furthermore, statistics reveal that 66.5% of the newly registered cars in the first five months of 2024 belong to the Euro 5 category, which signifies high environmental standards. At the same time, the number of vehicles in the Euro 4 category has declined by 30% when compared to the same period in the previous year. Maybe you’d like to read:

Kamel Al-Wazir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, presided over the signing of a partnership agreement between BAIC Company of China and Alkan Auto Company, a member of the Egyptian International Automotive Group. The objective of this agreement is to construct a factory in Egypt dedicated to the production of electric vehicles. Scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2025, the factory will occupy a land area of 120,000 square meters. It aims to cater to the local market demands and facilitate exports to the Middle Eastern and African markets. The initial production target for the first year is set at 20,000 vehicles, with expectations to achieve a production volume of 50,000 by the fifth year. The local content of the project currently stands at 48% and has a target to increase to 58%. Additionally, the project promises to generate approximately 1,200 new employment opportunities. The minister underscored that this agreement aligns with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s ambition to establish Egypt as a prominent regional industrial hub and promote localization within the automotive industry. He expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the two companies and assured the ministry’s commitment to facilitating the swift commencement of production. The General Authority for Industrial Development will provide the required land and expedite the licensing process. Furthermore, the Minister of Industry emphasized the dedication of his ministry to fostering local manufacturing, attracting global investments in the automotive sector, and supporting companies’ expansion in Egypt. This, in turn, will enhance exports, particularly to the Middle East and Africa, and contribute to the creation of new job opportunities. Maybe you’d like to read:

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, Kanat Sharlapaev, presented a report on the machine-building industry during a government meeting. The industry accounts for about 20% of total manufacturing output, employs over 120,000 people across 4,000 companies, and attracted 124 billion tenge in investments in the first nine months of 2024, a twofold increase. Production volume reached over 3 trillion tenge, up 3.3% year-on-year. Key sectors include automotive (39%), railway (13%), and electrical engineering (9%). The ministry aims to boost automobile production through small-node assembly; over 82,000 passenger vehicles were produced in the first nine months. Plants for CHANGAN, HAVAL, and CHERY vehicles, with a capacity of 90,000 units, are nearing completion. A KIA car production plant is under construction with 200 million investment,and a project for Geely, Exeed, and KAIYI cars has launched with 150 million investment. Kanat Sharlapaev also announced the launch of serial production of multimedia systems and car seats in Almaty, with investments of 890 million tenge and 3 billion tenge respectively. Kazakhstan automobile market plans to supply domestically produced vehicles to Afghanistan. Maybe you’d like to read:

A little care can make a difference in maintaining your car’s appearance and performance. ichelabamotor.com presents you with the top 15 car maintenance tips that will not only prolong the lifespan of your vehicle but also preserve its resale value. Maybe you’d like to read:

This year, the first 8,000 e-cars imported will be exempt from VAT and customs duties, extending a regulation aimed at promoting the green economy and reducing emissions. In 2022, 3,486 Armenia ev cars were imported, a growth of 1.8% and 12.1% compared to 2021 and 2020, respectively. By December 1, 2023, this number had reached 4,909. Most ev cars are imported from the UAE, US, and China, with a preference for recent models like Volkswagen ID.4, ID.6, Honda, Tesla, and mid-class options like Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt. The initiative aims to implement the green economy policy, reduce diesel consumption, and emissions. Armenia ev cars imports have led to infrastructure development, including more charging stations and maintenance shops, bringing investments and jobs. The government plans to increase e-car use in public and private sectors and is negotiating joint production with carmakers.

Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is growing in Africa due to investment trends, electricity access, and government priorities. Mordor Intelligence estimates Africa’s EV market will reach 15.80 billion in 2024 and 25.40 billion by 2029. Globally, China, Europe, and the USA dominate EV sales. Despite low EV adoption globally, some African countries have made impressive progress with government and private sector partnerships. However, challenges such as high conversion costs, lack of charging infrastructure, high capital costs, competition from used imports, low energy access, and reliance on fossil fuels hinder full adoption.Electric vehicles in Africa, 10 countries with the highest Adoption include: Nigeria has limited EV market presence despite its large population and tech base, with only 120 units sold since 2020. Indigenous companies like Innoson are making progress in EV manufacturing. Maybe you’d like to read: