Chinese Automaker GAC Group Launches Electric Vehicles in Ethiopia
Chinese automaker GAC Group has launched its electric vehicles in Ethiopia, introducing the AION Y and ES9 models. The government supports EV adoption, banning gas-powered cars and aiming for 500,000 EVs in ten years. GAC plans to establish local assembly and charging infrastructure as part of Ethiopia’s green mobility initiative.
In a notable development, Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has entered the Ethiopian market with its electric vehicle (EV) brand. This announcement came during a launch event held in Addis Ababa, where the company unveiled its AION Y and ES9 models on Saturday.
Zeleke Temesgen, the commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, addressed attendees, emphasizing the government’s commitment to encouraging EV adoption. “The Ethiopian government has already banned the production, import, and assembly of gas-powered cars, so Ethiopia would be an ideal market for reputable companies like GAC Group,” he said.
Temesgen commended GAC Group for its introduction of EVs, urging the company to establish a manufacturing plant in Ethiopia. This move, he argued, would help leverage favorable investment opportunities and bolster the nation’s green mobility initiative.
Bareo Hassen, Ethiopian state minister of transport and logistics, shared the government’s vision of achieving green mobility swiftly, with an emphasis on energy conservation and bolstering the national economy. To underscore this commitment, over 100,000 EVs are already operational across Ethiopia, with aspirations to increase this number to 500,000 within the next decade.
The Ethiopian government is also actively expanding EV production and public charging infrastructure. They are extending various incentives to private investors, including offering free or leased land for those involved in EV after-sales services, according to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
Wei Haigang, president of GAC International, expressed optimism about the Ethiopian market’s potential. He stated that GAC Group, along with partner Huajian Group, will embark on selling electric vehicles, implementing charging infrastructure, and beginning local assembly operations in Ethiopia. This, he noted, is a strategic step towards supporting Ethiopia’s shift to electric mobility.
As Ethiopia positions itself as a burgeoning hub for electric vehicles, GAC’s entry not only highlights the expanding opportunities within the East African automotive sector but also aligns with Ethiopia’s determined push toward sustainable transport solutions.
With aspirations to be a major player in electric mobility, Ethiopia is setting a precedent for green transportation in the region. GAC Group’s involvement could be pivotal in realizing the country’s ambitions for a greener future.
In summary, GAC Group’s launch of electric vehicles in Ethiopia represents a significant step towards transforming the country’s automotive landscape. With government support and a strategic focus on green mobility, Ethiopia aims to replace fossil fuel-driven vehicles with EVs within the next decade. This partnership may pave the way for increased domestic production and infrastructure development in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
