Holland Car Plc, Ethiopia’s car assembly plant unveils new model ‘AWASH’

Holland Car Plc, the first car assembly plant in Ethiopia, unveils on Monday its third new model car AWASH, named after the major Ethiopian river, Awash.

Company’s products are getting high consumer demand since the introduction of the second car ABAY last year, company manager, engineer Tadesse Tesema said.

Abay car, which is also named after the biggest Ethiopian river Abay, is assembled locally by Holland Car in association with the Chinese car company LIFAN.

He said consumers’ demand for Abay since last year has been increasing. “So far the company has sold out over 600 Abay or Lifan cars,” he added.

The new model Awash, unveiled at the Sheraton Addis, is to be sold at a price of 279,000 Eth. Birr [28,115.93 USD], and is expected to attract local and international buyers due to its luxury, according to the manager.

Ethiopia representative to Lifan industry, Steven Xu also said his company, which is one of the biggest car companies in China, is currently producing several cars and motorbikes.

Lifan will further enhance its cooperation with Holland Car to provide best quality products in Ethiopia, he said.

Trade and Industry State Minister, Tadesse Haile said on the occasion that assembling new and modern cars locally would have great impact to have healthy environment in Ethiopia, which mainly imports used cars.

Beyond the benefits of technology transfer, it is also helpful to produce car spare parts in the country, the minister added.

The 1600 cc AWASH has a high clearance, falling under compact car category and is equipped with an engine of 1.6 116 Hp L4 with 5 Manual Gear system.

It is defined as a home business and economic car suitable for the Ethiopian highlands and weather, according to the company.

Holland Car, the first car assembly plant in Ethiopia, established in 2005, is producing and distributing cars in Ethiopia.