Volvo Launches New Products In Botswana Market

WANETSHA MOSINYI
Staff Writer | Monday July 6, 2009 00:00

 

'Despite the ongoing global recession, we see Botswana along with Kenya and Namibia as key markets with huge potential and opportunities,' Auto Sueco International Area Manager Jose Jensen Faria said at the launch of their facility at Gaborone Commerce Park on Friday.

Faria is a shareholder in Auto Sueco Group.
He said the expansion of the workshop will give them more capacity and make them a reference point in the market. 'Expect a better response from us,' he said.

He said their analysis shows that the Botswana market will recover from recession and enjoy another positive economic growth. 'We believe in this economy and we are here to stay,' Faria said.

Auto Sueco Botswana operations manager, Don Cairns said the new FH truck range is geared to take competition to its competitors because it has already been given good reviews in Europe. Cairns said the new facility means they will expand their services.

He said their plans to expand to Francistown have been postponed until the economic downturn subsides. 'This facility will double our workshop size and help us improve service delivery,' Cairns said.

Volvo Southern Africa president Anders Lindblad said though the Botswana market is small, it is important because it is a major transit for goods to and from countries such as Namibia, DRC and Zambia.

The Volvo Group is one of the leading suppliers of trucks, buses, construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications as well as aircraft engine components.

It is active in 180 countries, mainly in Europe, Asia and North America.  In Africa, it has a plant in South Africa and Angola, which it says is its biggest market.

Auto Sueco Group is a private-owned company, which has been the main distributor of Volvo for the past 76 years. 

Auto Sueco Namibia managing director Helder Alvarenga, who is also responsible for the Botswana subsidiary said they plan to introduce Renault, Mack and Nissan Diesel trucks in the local market before the end of the year.