AMH expands into Africa, appointed FAW partner in Zambia, Malawi

1st February 2016 By: Irma Venter - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

AMH expands into Africa, appointed FAW partner in Zambia, Malawi

FAW's plant in the Eastern Cape

FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa (FAW SA) and Associated Motor Holdings (AMH), a member of the JSE-listed Imperial Group, have signed an agreement that will see AMH act as FAW SA’s exclusive sales, parts, service and maintenance partner in Zambia and Malawi.

FAW has changed misconceptions about Chinese brands, says AMH CEO Manny de Canha.

“FAW SA, like its parent company, can equal the build and quality standards of just about any other brand.

“Some customers and fleet operators will choose more affordable, but simpler vehicles, while others prefer high-end premium technology and sophistication. It’s a conscious choice for a specific business solution. It is no longer a question of the level of manufacturing infrastructure or labour, it is a question of what suits the customer best.”

De Canha believes FAW trucks, assembled in the Eastern Cape, have proven their “durability, strength and capacity” to deal with the operating conditions in regions such as Africa.

“AMH recognises this as an opportunity to grow its African footprint,” he adds.

AMH imports brands such as Hyundai and Kia into South Africa.

FAW Vehicle Manufacturers last year built and sold more than 1 000 trucks in Southern Africa, notes FAW Import & Export Company MD Zhijian Wang.

“With the formidable experience of a partner such as AMH in Malawi and Zambia, plus our own expansion further into Africa, we have set our sights on 5 000 trucks per annum to be sold in the near future.”