By Tatenda Mungofa
Mureza Auto Company is a new black owned car manufacturing company in South Africa. The company was founded in 2016 by Thulisa Sosibo (Project Director/Co-founder), Pheladi Chiloane (Business Development Director/Co-founder) and Tatenda Mungofa (CEO/Founder).
The company will be designing and manufacturing cars in South Africa at the proposed factory in Rosslyn, Pretoria. A design studio and prototype centre will also be operating alongside to work on future concept cars.
Following the BRAND ACTIVATION on 20 November at the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn, the company plans to start production of their first model – the Prim8, in the coming year 2021.
The Prim8 was on exhibition at the event and expected pricing will be R196,000 for the range topping model with 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth, Apple Car play, Wi-Fi, Reverse camera, Tire Pressure Monitor, Adaptive Cruise control, Electric windows, 2 airbags, ABS and ESC. The vehicle will have options of either 1.5L petrol or 1.3L petrol engines with an automatic or manual transmission.
Short term insights:
- Pre-order sales (Prim8) – December 2020
- Prim8 product launch – first quarter 2021
- Start of production – to be announced soon
An annual production target of 12,000 units will be produced once production starts. 1000 direct jobs are expected to be created to handle the production demand.
Plans are at an advanced stage to start the assembly of SKD kits of the Prim8 which will carry up to 40% locally manufactured components (including windows, upholstery, dashboard, wheels, electronics and suspension to mention a few). This will boost SME component suppliers in the industry and encourages the creation of employment in the local value chain. We have also identified a skills gap within the industry and we want to be part of the solution in ensuring that the appropriate skillsets are aligned with the industry transformation.
There are plenty of opportunities for local companies, SMEs and individuals to collaborate or work with Mureza Auto Co. All communication of upcoming opportunities will be posted on our social media platforms and selected media outlets.
Beyond the borders of South Africa, Mureza has already mobilized dealerships that will be part of our network in Namibia and Zimbabwe. These will be published in due course as activations in these markets are in the pipeline.
“Africa is the final frontier of the automotive industry. We plan on building a brand and company that represents Africa and addresses the transportation challenges of the ordinary individual on the continent. We are developing the flagship of the African automotive industry. For us to succeed, we need to develop our own independent system to produce vehicles. An African product should be made by African people using an African process – and in Africa, the PEOPLE are the process!” said the CEO Tatenda Mungofa at the brand launch.
Mureza plans on playing a leading role in the industrialization of Africa and there are plans to manufacture pick up concepts as well as electric vehicles in the near future. The company is prepared for an innovative and progressive journey as the continent emerges from the global COVID pandemic.