Willowvale Motor Industries has allocated $5 million to initiate an assembly agreement with Ashok Leyland, a global vehicle manufacturer. The funds will be used to purchase assembly kits for buses and trucks to be assembled in Harare, Zimbabwe. This agreement has been in the works since 2021 and was finalized during Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s visit to India. Ashok Leyland will provide the kits on a pay-later basis, depending on market demand.
The partnership aims to achieve a minimum of 30% local component manufacturing in Zimbabwe, with plans to increase this to 50% over time. This will involve manufacturing spare parts, such as seats and interior components, locally. The ultimate goal is to produce major components, including those for electric vehicles, in Zimbabwe.
Ashok Leyland’s vice president of corporate affairs, Yash Pal Sachar, revealed that the company has bigger plans for Zimbabwe, including the manufacturing of electric vehicles. The company’s electric mobility wing, Switch Mobility, is a leader in electric bus production in India and London, and they believe they can provide valuable resources for zero-emission mobility in Zimbabwe.
The agreement is expected to have a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s economy, with the potential to create jobs and stimulate local industry. The partnership will also enable Willowvale Motor Industries to expand its operations and increase its production capacity. With the initial investment of $5 million, the company is poised to revitalize its assembly plant and start producing vehicles that meet international standards.
The Vice President’s visit to India was aimed at securing investments and partnerships for Zimbabwe, and the agreement with Ashok Leyland is a significant achievement in this regard. The partnership is expected to be a win-win for both parties, with Ashok Leyland gaining a foothold in the African market and Willowvale Motor Industries benefiting from the transfer of technology and expertise.
As the partnership progresses, Zimbabwe can expect to see an increase in the production of electric vehicles, which will contribute to the country’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The agreement also has the potential to stimulate the growth of other industries, such as manufacturing and tourism, which will have a positive impact on the country’s economy. Overall, the partnership between Willowvale Motor Industries and Ashok Leyland is a significant development that is expected to have far-reaching benefits for Zimbabwe.