BY: Hana Saada
Oran, Algeria – September 8, 2023 – In a momentous visit to the FIAT factory of the Italian Stellantis located in Tafraoui, Oran, the Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, provided an exciting update. Aoun declared that the eagerly anticipated first FIAT car is set to roll off the assembly line at the Oran factory in December 2023. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Algeria’s burgeoning automotive industry.
During his visit on Thursday, Minister Aoun expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, which aligns with the initial agreements. He shared his optimism regarding the factory’s ability to meet its timeline, stating, “I have just inspected the project, and the pace of its completion is consistent with what was initially agreed. Based on all the information provided to me on site, I am optimistic to see the first car will leave the Oran factory next December.”
One of the notable aspects of the FIAT Tafraoui factory is that it represents the first 100% foreign investment project in Algeria’s automotive sector. Minister Aoun underscored the importance of this development, emphasizing, “Which confirms that the field is open to everyone, whether it is a completely foreign investment or in partnership with national companies.”
The Stellantis group, the parent company of FIAT, has been proactive in preparing the factory for car production. In a press release, the group announced that they have organized numerous training courses in Algeria and abroad for factory employees. These training programs aim to ensure that production at the Oran factory adheres to international standards. The group has already provided over 61,000 hours of training out of the planned 90,000 hours for 2023 at the Belkaid Training Center in Oran.
In a statement, the Ministry of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production reiterated that the FIAT industrial project in Algeria constitutes an initial investment of 200 million euros. The project’s primary objective is to create approximately 2,000 new jobs by 2026. Additionally, the project aims to achieve a national integration rate exceeding 30% and establish a production capacity of 90,000 vehicles per year, featuring four Fiat models produced locally.
The automotive industry has long been a significant contributor to Algeria’s economy, and the development of the FIAT factory in Oran signals a promising future for the sector. With production slated to begin in just a few months, all eyes are on the Oran factory as it prepares to bring the first locally assembled FIAT cars to Algerian roads, while also boosting employment and domestic automotive production.
