Source: Quest moves into electric vehicle assembly – herald
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
QUEST Motor Manufacturing is set to start assembling electric and new-energy vehicles in Zimbabwe as part of a major industrial transformation expected to revive automobile manufacturing in Manicaland Province and create hundreds of jobs.
This was revealed during a tour of the Mutare-based vehicle assembly plant on Monday by Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza where company officials outlined plans to modernise operations and introduce environmentally-friendly vehicles into the local market.
Speaking during the visit, QMM general manager, Mr Carl Fernandes said the firm was positioning itself to become a pioneer in the assembly of new-energy vehicles in Zimbabwe.
“Our goal is clear, to pioneer the assembly of new-energy vehicles right here in Zimbabwe,” he said.
His company would soon start assembling the BAW Mini Car, Skyworth SUV and GAC Aion V electric vehicles by August this year as QMM positions itself to become a key player in Zimbabwe’s transition towards new-energy vehicles.
The move, he said, formed part of the company’s broader strategy to modernise its operations and align with the country’s industrialisation drive under Vision 2030 and the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan.
The general manager said QMM had already channelled significant resources towards upgrading the Mutare plant in preparation for the new phase of production, adding the company was also investing in infrastructure that would support the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.
“To support this, we are also rolling out a nationwide fast-charging network. This infrastructure development will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth adoption and operation of electric vehicles across Zimbabwe.”
He said the charging network would help address concerns around accessibility and convenience for motorists transitioning from conventional fuel-powered vehicles to new-energy vehicles.
The initiative, he said, was expected to improve confidence among consumers and businesses interested in investing in electric vehicles, while also positioning Zimbabwe to keep pace with global trends in green transport and sustainable mobility solutions.
Mr Fernandes added that the charging infrastructure would complement QMM’s planned assembly of the BAW Mini Car, Skyworth SUV and GAC Aion V electric vehicles, which are expected to go into production by August this year.
“The expansion will also significantly transform employment levels in Mutare and surrounding areas.
“The economic impact of this expansion is profound. We project a 300 percent to 500 percent increase in employment. QMM’s transition towards a contract assembly model will also empower retail partners and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the motor industry,” said Mr Fernandes.
He urged Government to strengthen local procurement policies to ensure locally assembled vehicles are prioritised ahead of imports.
“We respectfully urge the Government to enforce local procurement laws, ensuring that Government departments and parastatals prioritise locally assembled units over imported vehicles,” he said.
Adv Mugadza praised the revival of QMM, describing it as a major milestone in the re-industrialisation of Manicaland.
The company, he said, had historically played a critical role in Mutare’s economy and expressed optimism over the ongoing transformation at the plant.
“This workplace has changed totally and we are looking forward to great things coming,” said Adv Mugadza.
He applauded the company for employing graduates from local tertiary institutions, saying the development would help create opportunities for young people in the province.
“What has particularly touched me here is the fact that you are employing our students and graduates from our local colleges,” he said.
Adv Mugadza said Government offices in Manicaland would support local vehicle assemblers by encouraging institutions and departments to procure vehicles assembled in the province.
“What we intend to do is to make sure all schools, Government departments, councils and transport operators prioritise purchasing locally assembled vehicles,” he said.
He added that Manicaland remained open for investment and industrial growth in line with the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
The post Quest moves into electric vehicle assembly appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.