Cars Made In Africa (10 African Car Manufacturers)
On a normal day in traffic, a person observing will see that many of the cars seen are made in China, the United States of America, Japan, Germany and South Korea but will rarely see cars made in Africa.
But, there are many African car producers that design and manufacture vehicles for local use and exportation. Here is a list of the top car manufacturers on the continent of Africa.
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co. LTD.
Country: Nigeria
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company or IVM is the first African automobile brand and the brainchild of Nigerian entrepreneur Innocent Chukwuma.
The company designs and manufactures automobiles and buses that are affordable and suitable to African terrain. Its line of products includes middle and high-level buses, heavy-duty vehicles and environmentally friendly vehicles.
The company has started to expand to other African countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Chad, Niger and Togo.
Wallyscar
Country: Tunisia
Wallyscar is a car manufacturing company located in Tunisia. The company began operation in 2008 headed by its owner, Zied Guiga. The manufacturing plant is located in La Marsa, Tunisia.
The first vehicle manufactured by the plant was the Wallyscar Izis in October 2008. The best thing about this car is that you can order one customized according to your preference.
I hope that you are in Panama, France, Spain, Qatar and Morocco as Wallyscar is only being sold in these countries at the moment.
Optimal Energy Joule
Country: South Africa
Optimal Energy Joule is the South African car manufacturer that manufactured the Joule. For those who have not heard of the Joule, it is an electric five-seat passenger car.
The car was first revealed to the public in October of 2008. The production did not last long and ceased in April 2012 and Optimal Energy Joule closed down in June 2012.
Advanced Automotive Design
Country: South Africa
In 1995, Brian Glover and Rhys Edwards founded the Advanced Automotive Design, a South African automobile manufacturing company. Two years later they revealed their first automobile called Shaka Nyna on the South Florida International Auto Show.
Finally, in 2000 the Shaka Nyna was commercially launched but you will not be seeing it on display in your local car dealer as this beauty is only built by orders.
Kiira Motors
Country: Uganda
Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is a car manufacturing corporation that was revved up and bought to life by Makerere University in 2014. Today KMC is owned by the Uganda Development Corporation and Makerere University.
A company of the future, the innovative arm of KMC has designed three vehicles powered by electricity and the sun. These cars are the Kayoola Solar Bus, the Kiira EV, 2011, a two-seater electric car, the Kiira EV SMACK, 2014, a five-seater sedan.
Birkin Cars
Country: South Africa
Birkin Cars Ltd is another car manufacturing company that calls South Africa home. The company was founded in 1982 by John Watson. The S3 Roadstar, a car inspired by the classic Locus Seven, is the only car that they have produced but has since finished production.
The S3 Roadstar even though no longer sold new can be found in dealers in many developed countries. An interesting piece of information for car enthusiasts is that this car is also sold as a kit. So you can buy the parts and put it together yourself. How exciting!
Bailey Edwards Cars
Country: South Africa
Race car fans, do you know about Bailey Edward Cars? Bailey Edwards Car manufacturing company is one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in South Africa.
The company was started and put into overdrive by Peter and Greg Bailey, a father and son duo, in 2003. Most car enthusiasts in from the comfort of their homes and dream about their dream car.
The Baileys converted their love for the Gt40 into producing replicas ready for the racetrack. Since 2003, they have produced replicas of the P4, T70 and the 917 and have even designed and produced their own car, the GT1 that are being sold all over the world.
Another great read: Richest Presidents In Africa
Saroukh el-Jamahiriya
Country: Libya
The Saroukh el-Jamahiriya (Libyan rocket) was invented by Libyan Leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi for safety reasons. The prototype was revealed on September 7, 1999.
This car is unique in that its front and rear ends are rocket-shaped. The interior is built to protect its passengers with airbags, an electronic defense system, and a collapsible bumper. It is said to be the safest car on earth.
Perana Performance Group
Country: South Africa
Sleek lines and high speed are characteristics of the cars manufactured by the Perana Performance Group. The Perana Performance Group is another car manufacturer with its base in South Africa.
The company was developed in 2007. PPG specializes in converting ordinary cars such as Escorts and Carpris into saloon race cars. In 2009, the group launched its own race car, the Perana Z-One.
Laraki
Country: Morocco
From luxury yachts to luxury cars, Laraki sure does cover all his bases. Laraki is a luxury car manufacturer located in Morocco.
The owner of Laraki is Abdeslam Laraki, a Moroccan designer whose first foray into manufacturing began with yachts. The Laraki Fulgura, Borac, and Epitome are luxury cars that are manufactured by the Laraki Company.