Double and single cab pick-up trucks will lead the
resumption of vehicle assembly.
The company, then partly owned by Mazda and tied to that
company, ceased vehicle assembly in 2017.
It is still in the motor industry business through its
subsidiaries and associated companies. With the resumption of assembly work,
Willowvale is also seeking to extend the range of Zimbabwean-made components
and is likely to benefit from high-quality finished steel from the Manhize
steel works.
Speaking during a tour of Deven Engineering and Willowvale
Motor Industries by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and
Commerce led by Chimanimani East Member of Parliament, Cde Joshua Sacco, in
Harare last week, WMI acting managing director, Mr Dzi Matanhire, said the
assembly of pick-up trucks would resume in August this year.
“Our mandate is local production and supply of vehicular
products and equipment and to be the leading supplier of mobility solutions in
Africa and beyond,” he said.
“Willowvale Motor Industries is a customer-centric
manufacturer and supplier of sustainable mobility solutions. The company is
solvent financially and currently we are selling Mahindra products. We
approached the company with a view to establishing a plant in Zimbabwe. We are
also selling Mazda products.”
Mr Matanhire said Willowvale Motor Industries also
contributes to the production of buses in collaboration with Deven Engineering.
A section of the iron and steel plant under construction in
Manhize area, Midlands Province
“We are working on acquiring at least three competitive and
reputable vehicle brands for knocked-down kits to assemble. Agricultural
equipment will also be considered. We will mobilise funding for retooling and
equipment upgrades of our factory.
“Our key challenges are foreign currency, retail credit,
wholesale finance, working capital, retooling, and public sector procurement
support. Willowvale Motor Industries had a problem 10 years ago but it is now
solvent and a profitable organisation,” he said.
IDCZ General Manager Mr Edward Tome said they wanted to
start assembling vehicles at WMI that could be afforded by Zimbabweans.
“We also have got a plan and we are working in
collaboration with Harare Institute of Technology and other universities across
the country to start manufacturing local components that we can use in
assembling vehicles in order to bring down the cost of production and
ultimately the retail price to the people of Zimbabwe.
“Starting in the third quarter of this year we will be
assembling double and single cab trucks that will be very affordable to the
people of Zimbabwe. Herald
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