Photo: Audi
A limited-capacity production line for three Audi models started operations on Thursday in Relizane, Algeria, with the help of Volkswagen’s local import partner SOVAC Production.
Ever since last year, the Algerian company has been assembling some Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT models in the region at a 150-hectare multi-brand facility. Now,, together with the addition of the A3 Sportback, the A3 Sedan, and the Q2, total output is expected to grow to a little over 200 cars per day. The Audi models should make for 3,000 cars per year.
"This entry into the Group’s multi-brand factory is a logical step into the Algerian growth market,” said in a statement Peter Will, the man in charge with planning the production of four-ringed cars from various types of kits.
“By specifically training local employees, we are ensuring Audi quality and utilizing synergies with the other Group brands in production and logistics, laying the foundation for continued growth in North Africa.”
Located at the northern tip of the African continent, Algeria is not exactly what one might call a premier market for the auto industry.
For the past two years, the country has seen a steep decline in ca sales, the 2017 sales volume being four times lower than the one recorded in 2012, according to Carsalesbase. At the same time, Statista bets on a somewhat milder decrease, wtih sales in 2017 dropping only by a factor of three compared to 2013.
Still, people both at Audi and at SOVAC seem to be under the impression the market is on a rebound, or at least the demand for Volkswagen group cars is.
Algeria sells locally assembled Volkswagen Golf, Polo, Tiguan, Passat and Caddy, Skoda Octavia, Rapid and Fabia and SEAT Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca. Just like all these models, the Audi models to roll off assembly lines here will be shipped to the facility as kits.
"This entry into the Group’s multi-brand factory is a logical step into the Algerian growth market,” said in a statement Peter Will, the man in charge with planning the production of four-ringed cars from various types of kits.
“By specifically training local employees, we are ensuring Audi quality and utilizing synergies with the other Group brands in production and logistics, laying the foundation for continued growth in North Africa.”
Located at the northern tip of the African continent, Algeria is not exactly what one might call a premier market for the auto industry.
For the past two years, the country has seen a steep decline in ca sales, the 2017 sales volume being four times lower than the one recorded in 2012, according to Carsalesbase. At the same time, Statista bets on a somewhat milder decrease, wtih sales in 2017 dropping only by a factor of three compared to 2013.
Still, people both at Audi and at SOVAC seem to be under the impression the market is on a rebound, or at least the demand for Volkswagen group cars is.
Algeria sells locally assembled Volkswagen Golf, Polo, Tiguan, Passat and Caddy, Skoda Octavia, Rapid and Fabia and SEAT Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca. Just like all these models, the Audi models to roll off assembly lines here will be shipped to the facility as kits.
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