Volkswagen is set to begin production of their first batch of vehicles in Rwanda this coming spring. The automotive company which is based in Germany is the first vehicle manufacturing company to invest in Africa.
Volkswagen has successfully set up an assembling facility in the Capital, Kigali. The management has confirmed that materials to start production are already on their way to Port of Mombasa in Kenya. However, the plant will begin with the output of Polo Hatchback, Jetta and Teramont models only. They will, however, consider adding production of other models by demand in the market. The new cars will be sold on the Rwanda local market. Reports from Deutsche Welle indicate that the company expects to assemble the first cars by May. The car manufacturer has also announced that they will start rolling out mobility solutions in this year’s second quarter. Mobility solutions will be the first-ever program in the world and are expected to impact positively on vehicle use and ownership.
Volkswagen has made several investments in Africa over the last few years. They established assembling plants in Kenya and Nigeria back in 2016, South Africa and the fourth is Rwanda. VW aims at expanding its automotive businesses in Africa stating that the continent has a favorable market. The company also predicts growth of up to 40 percent in car sales in Africa within the coming five years. Managing Director of VW in South Africa says that Rwanda feels right for their company and they are determined, focused and willed in implementing this project.
VW plans to engage Aurora Company based in Silicon Valley in assembling self-driving cars. Its management revealed this in early January. The project will be launched by 2021, and VW is hopeful that both companies will cooperate in bringing this project to life.
