WUHU, CHINA: Chinese automaker, Chery, has announced its plans to expand its operations to Oman, bringing its advanced technology and automotive expertise to Oman. This move aims to contribute to the growth and development of Oman's automotive industry and enhance the skill sets of local workers while providing consumers with innovative and high-quality vehicles.
Guibing Zhang, Chery International President said, “Chery has gained a solid reputation as a leading automotive manufacturer in China and globally, known for its cutting-edge technology, reliability, and customer-centric approach. With a strong focus on research and development, we consistently introduced groundbreaking advancements in new energy vehicles (NEVs) and autonomous driving technologies.” As a testament to its massive popularity globally, Chery has sold more than 1.25 million cars until September 2023, already surpassing the total sales for the entire 2022, with a year-on-year increase of 40.2%. “One in every 5 cars being exported from China is a Chery brand,” Zhang added.
Meanwhile, Oman's automotive sector has been experiencing steady growth, driven by increased consumer spending power and a growing demand for modern and technologically advanced vehicles. Chery's entry into the Omani market is expected to not only meet this demand but also contribute to the overall development of the industry.
As part of its expansion plans, Chery signed a distribution agreement with Saud Bahwan Group, which will create employment opportunities and foster knowledge and technology transfer. With the distribution agreement, Chery aims to tap into the growing demand for reliable and cost-effective automobiles in Oman. The partnership will bring a wide range of Chery vehicles including the Tiggo series and Arrazo series.
Chery's investment in Oman will not be limited to distribution. It also plans collaborate with Saud Bahwan in terms of research, training and exchange of expertise This partnership will enable the transfer of knowledge and expertise, fostering innovation and driving the development of customised solutions tailored to the specific needs of Oman as a market.
The exchange of expertise between Chery and Saud Bahwan is expected to result in various benefits for both companies. Ahmad Salaheldin, General Manager of Chery Oman said, “Chery can gain insights into the Middle Eastern market and leverage Saud Bahwan's distribution network and industry know-how to expand its presence in the region. At the same time, Saud Bahwan can benefit from Chery's technological advancements, manufacturing practices, and product portfolio, enabling it to offer a wider range of innovative automotive solutions to its customers.” Chery's production facility in Wuhu, China, is a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant characterised by automated, connected, and environmentally friendly processes.
It boasts exceptional efficiency, cost-effectiveness, advanced technology, and impressive production capabilities. Spanning across a vast area of 830,000 square metres and backed by an investment of 4 billion RMB (RO 210 million), this facility houses two production platforms: the D1X, responsible for manufacturing core products such as the Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 series, and the D2X, dedicated to high-performance vehicles.
Additionally, Chery's final assembly line base occupies an area of 83,000 square metres and has the capacity to handle 60 jobs per hour. With an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles, it demonstrates Chery's commitment to delivering quality cars efficiently.
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