China’s GWM to build its first car plant in Algeria

Great Wall Motor (GWM), one of China’s 10 biggest car manufacturers, plans to build its first factory in Algeria, joining others in the country including Fiat, Peugeot and Kia.

GWM will build the car assembly plant as a joint venture with an Algerian partner, Elkhabar newspaper and other Algerian publications reported, without identifying the partner.

A GWM team presented the plans to industry minister Sifi Grief in Algiers this week, the reports said, citing a statement from the minister’s office. 

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The project includes the production of GWM’s Haval, Tank and other brands, as well as auto parts and an auto research and development centre.

Several car manufacturers have set up joint ventures in Algeria following a government decision in 2018 to ban the import of vehicles as part of a strategy to encourage local production for the domestic market and for export.

GWM had exported cars to Algeria before the ban and only resumed last year after the ban was lifted.