Officials from Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO have announced a joint venture to manufacture and distribute vehicles in Ghana.
At a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Jubilee House, Mr. Koyote Suzuki, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa of Suzuki Motor Corporation, told the President that with the company producing some 1.8 million vehicles in India alone, “my mission is to find our next India in the continent of Africa.”
“Our next phase of growth will come from Africa, but we need to find the right partner in Africa for manufacturing and distribution after sale of our vehicles,” he stated.
Suzuki, he said, has partnered with Toyota in Africa, and are currently working in some 26 countries.
“We came to know from Toyota that the Ghanaian government is planning to roll out a new automotive policy. We heard this from Toyota executives who paid a visit here last month. We are highly interested in participating in this initiative by the Ghanaian government. We wish to start production here, grow it and expand it,” the Suzuki General Manager added.
Mr. Masafumi Yamashita, from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, in his remarks, noted that Toyota Corporation and CFAO have the largest automotive distribution network in Africa, and have the ambition to contribute to and support further development in African countries.
“Our vision is with Africa and for Africa. This time, we commit to work together with Suzuki Motor Corporation for the future development of the automotive industry here in Africa, as a strategic partner,” he added.
On his part, President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that “these three companies that have come together to push an idea, here in Ghana, is an idea that we have to welcome.”
His Government, he explained, is interested in developing a vibrant and dynamic automobile industry in Ghana, and has made several initiatives towards that end.
“Finally, I believe we are now ready to outdoor our automotive policy which will enable people like you know what is available to you in terms of government support, and also the obligations that will be upon you, if you enter the Ghanaian space,” the President added.
With the economy projected to grow by 7.9% this year, and the country recognized as one of the most stable countries on the continent, where the rule of law works, President Akufo-Addo stressed that “this is architecture designed expressly to try and attract investments into our country.”
President Akufo-Addo told the delegation that “you are very welcome, and it will be very good news for the people of Ghana if they were to hear that Suzuki has teamed up with Toyota Tsusho and CFAO to establish a facility here in Ghana.”
With Suzuki manufacturing 1.6-litre engine vehicles in India, the President stated that “these are exactly the kind of cars that should have a very successful entry into the Ghanaian market.”
Latest Stories
-
WAFU U17 Zone B: Ghana to host Nigeria in opening game
3 mins -
Akufo-Addo is well aware of my condition – Adwoa Safo
16 mins -
African leaders signal support for African Development Bank’s emergency food production facility
21 mins -
Make AfDB preferred multilateral financier of Africa’s development – Akufo-Addo
28 mins -
I’ve not given up on NPP, I’m still committed to the President – Adwoa Safo
29 mins -
Akufo-Addo is the only person who can sack me – Adwoa Safo
43 mins -
Exclusive: Adwoa Safo speaks on family, NPP, absence from Parliament
52 mins -
I will return when issues with family are resolved – Adwoa Safo
54 mins -
Low income earners tend to be at higher risk of developing stroke – Health expert
1 hour -
Lands Minister requests information on all transactions affecting Achimota Forest
1 hour -
I am not aware of any meeting with Privileges Committee – Adwoa Safo
2 hours -
Mmofraturo Girls School gets new toilet to improve hygiene and sanitation
2 hours -
6th Ghana CEO Summit to focus on digital leadership for digital economy
2 hours -
Inflation is not only the problem; address weak structural fundamentals of economy – IEA to government
2 hours -
‘We are equal and should be treated same’ – Kuami Eugene reacts after Edem opens up on discrimination
3 hours