Titus-Glover cutting the tape for the launch of the four new vehicles.
ASHOK LEYLAND which is the second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India and the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world is planning to construct a multi-million assembly plant in Ghana.
The automobile company owned by the Hinduja Group with a current total of nine operating plants, is commencing feasibility studies into the setup of the plant to help expand the commercial vehicle market. It is expected that the company will first commence business in their new plant with the assembling of buses. Later, the trucks assembly line will start.
This initiative will boost the country’s economy as several other multinational companies have set up their offices in the country. German car manufacturer ‘Volkswagen’ has earlier taken steps to set upa vehicle assembly plant in Ghana, with the aim of using it as an entry to East, Central and West Africa bus markets.
Another company, ‘Nissan’ has signed an MoU to build assembly plant in the country. French multinational automobile manufacturer, ‘Renault’, is also considering the establishment of an automobile assembly plant, following in the footsteps of Volkswagen, Nissan and Sinotruk who will establish assembly plants in the country, this year.
Nitin Seth, President of Ashok Leyland, who responded to a call by government during the launch of four models of the company’s vehicles in Tema last Tuesday, said the company would be conducting feasibility studies within a short time to establish the assembly plant.
He stated that his outfit was very keen to look at the request since it is the desire of Ashok Leyland to grow, adding that “one of the best ways to grow is to get into the local environment . . .”
Mr. Kassem Odaymat, Chief Operating Officer of Rana Group, noted that his outfit would be offering the vehicles to businesses in Ghana with the assurance of affordability, high performance and reliability.
He added that “with our facilities here in Tema, Spintex, Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi, we shall keep the downtime at the lowest and be your worthy partner in running your businesses.”
Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, the Deputy Minister for Transport, who appealed to Ashok Leyland when he launched the brands of vehicles on behalf of his sector minister, stated that Ghana is the most ideal country in West Africa to establish an assembly base since the country currently has the best business-friendly environment.
According to him, with several companies coming into the country, it would go a long way to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.
The four new models of vehicles launched were Hawk, a 40-seater bus; Boss, a versatile heavy duty truck; Partner, a modern freight carrier and Captain which is a heavy duty tipper truck.
Ashok Leyland also makes spare parts and engines for industrial and marine applications.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema