Japan endorses Ghana’s automobile policy …as gov’t braces to launch first Toyota-Assembled vehicle

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Ichiro Kashitani, has assured the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to expect the first Toyota vehicle to be assembled in Ghana to be outdoored by August 2020.

Thanking the government, President Akufo-Addo, for its help and support towards the realisation of this project, Mr. Ichiro Kashitani stated that “we consider the project of the assembly plant a marriage. It lasts for life, and it is a long-term project.”
The President and CEO of Toyota Tsusho made this known yesterday; on Thursday, 29th August, 2019, when the Government of Ghana and Toyota Tsusho Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Toyota and Suzuki Assembly Plant in Ghana.
The Chief Operations Officer of the company in charge of the Africa division of Toyota Tsusho, Mr. Imai Toshimitsu, who was also at the meeting noted that the decision to set up in Ghana has been necessitated by the favourable economic climate prevailing in the country.
“We are willing to participate in the automotive industry in Ghana. I am very happy that we have reached the consensus and principal agreement to start the Toyota and Suzuki assembly plants. We are planning to kick-off the project immediately, and, hopefully, we will have first car made in Ghana this time (August) next year. Thank you very much for your support,” he added.
Mr. Imai Toshimitsu stated that details of the work to be undertaken in Ghana, including the volumes and models of the vehicles to be produced, are contained in the MoU.
“The products to be assembled in Ghana include the Toyota Hilux pickup, which is already popular in Ghana. Since it will be locally produced, I hope it will be more popular. We are also planning to introduce small passenger cars, with two Suzuki brands,” the Toyota COO explained.  
The decision to assemble Suzuki vehicles in Ghana, according to Mr. Imai Toshimitsu, follows the acquisition on Wednesday, 28th August, 2019, of a 4.9% stake in Suzuki by Toyota Tsusho, thus making Toyota a “principal shareholder” in Suzuki.
“So, Suzuki products will be assembled and sold in Ghana. The cars which will be produced in Ghana are our core models for Africa and Ghana customers,” he stressed.
On his part, President Akufo-Addo stated that the signing of the MoU with Toyota Tsusho falls in line with the vision of making Ghana an automotive hub for West Africa and the larger African market.
With the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the President noted that “Ghana is the base to reach this larger African market”.
He continued, “We are attaching a great deal of importance to the initiative and development. We want to assure you that, whatever it is we can do on the side of the Ghana Government to provide you with the necessary support and assurance that the investment you are going to make in our country will be worth your while, you can count on us to do that.”

Visit to Jubilee House

It will be recalled that, in March this year, officials from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Suzuki Motor Corporation, and CFAO announced a joint venture arrangement to assemble and distribute vehicles in Ghana.
During a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 19th March, 2019, at Jubilee House, Mr. Koyote Suzuki, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa of Suzuki Motor Corporation, told President Akufo-Addo that “our next phase of growth will come from Africa, but we need to find the right partner in Africa for manufacturing and distribution after sale of our vehicles.”
He stated that “we came to know from Toyota that the Ghanaian government is planning to roll out a new automotive policy. We heard this from Toyota executives who paid a visit here last month. We are highly interested in participating in this initiative by the Ghanaian government. We wish to start production here, grow it and expand it.” 
Mr. Masafumi Yamashita, from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, in his remarks, noted that Toyota Corporation and CFAO have the largest automotive distribution network in Africa, and have an ambition to contribute to and support further development in African countries.
“Our vision is with Africa and for Africa. This time, we commit to work together with Suzuki Motor Corporation for the future development of the automotive industry here in Africa, as a strategic partner,” he added.
Furthermore, to deepen the ties between the two countries, Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade and Industry signed an MoU between the Ministry and Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan at a short ceremony in Yokohama Japan at the margins of TICAD7. The ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency President Akufo-Addo and other Senior officials of the Government of Ghana.

The company is determined to establish its Ghana Plant to take advantage of the new Automobile Development Programme which was recently launched in Accra.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Papaye Fast Food opens new Kaneshie-Awudome branch

Image
Executive Chairman-Papaya, Dr. Kalmoni and Dep. Minister, Elizabeth Sackey, cutting the ribbon to officially open the Awudome-Branch Papaye Fast Food Limited, a leading fast-food chain in the country, has officially opened a new branch at the Kaneshie- Awudome roundabout. The opening event, which happened at the new branch’s forecourt, was honoured by the Deputy Minister of Greater Accra Region, Mrs. Elizabeth Sackey, representatives from the Ghana Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism, as well as some corporate organisations. The Chief Executive Officer-Papaya Ltd., Divine K. Asiedu, said opening the Awudome branch means Papaye now has six operational outlets from its 28 years of existence in Ghana. "Papaye wants to assure its customers and everyone within this vicinity that it will continue serving the best tasty food without compromising on its hospitality, comfortability and affordability principles." Executive Chairman-Papaye, Dr. Sami...
Read more

Tractafric Motors: Ford Ranger takes top honours

Image
The Ford Ranger has received the highest award for quality in the midsize pickup segment in the US; according to the 2020 JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) report. The Initial Quality Study, now in its 34th year, is based on responses from 87,282 purchasers and lessees of new 2020 model year vehicles in the US who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study took place from February through to May 2020. The JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) takes an updated look at the problems owners are having with their new vehicles, including those related to new technologies. The study, redesigned this year, measures components that fail and features that are difficult to use, hard to understand or don’t work the way owners want. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. “The Initial Quality Study is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality and, year after year, automakers app...
Read more

Redesigned Nissan logo signals a fresh horizon

Image
How the badge’s physical identity was adapted for the digital world We are more connected than ever before. People are growing up with the access to knowledge and the potential for interaction that the internet offers. Our lives are as much digital as they are physical. Hence strong brands need to have effective touchpoints in both realms. For the past 20 years, Nissan’s outgoing logo has been a beacon on its vehicles and so much more. It has served as an identity, a business card, a handshake and the first greeting between customers and the driving excitement that Nissan vehicles provide. For decades more, Nissan’s logo has stayed true to a belief held by its founder Yoshisuke Aikawa, “Shisei tenjitsu o tsuranuku,” which he interpreted to mean, “If you have a strong belief, it penetrates even the sun.” While keeping this essence alive, Nissan’s new “calling card” reflects the significant changes in society over the last two decades. It is a reimagination of the iconic Nissan bra...
Read more