Vehicle maker seeking to establish its own assembly plant in Tanzania

By Henry Mwangonde , The Guardian
Published at 03:22 PM Sep 10 2024
Yutong Bus Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Kellen Zou
Photo: Guardian Correspondent
Yutong Bus Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Kellen Zou

CHINESE commercial vehicle manufacturer Yutong is considering establishing an assembly plant in Tanzania, following positive market trends since its entry into the country.

Yutong Bus Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Kellen Zou announced this potential expansion during the inauguration of the company's new offices and service center for Yutong buses.

Kellen noted that the Tanzanian and East African markets are growing rapidly, presenting promising opportunities for further expansion as Yutong aims to dominate the region.

"Everything is possible; we started from a very modest position and have now grown into a significant player in the country," he said.

The new service center is set to improve vehicle repair and maintenance, addressing the previous need for bus owners to rely on local mechanics or travel to neighboring countries for repairs.

He emphasized that the center will not only provide essential services but also offer training for local drivers, creating a win-win situation and transforming the sector.

"Tanzania is a key market in the East African Community (EAC) and has demonstrated its capability for further growth," he added.

Issah Nkya, Chairperson of the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA), welcomed the new center, highlighting its role in addressing the challenges faced by bus owners who previously had to send their vehicles to other countries or deal with unreliable mechanics.