(Tunisia) Wallys Iris

Tunisian car manufacturer has unveiled their second designed vehicle model called the Iris. A product in the market ready to deliver across its neighbouring region.

Courtesy of Wallyscar.com 

(Germany) aCar

EVUM Motors GmbH is a company developed for the industrialization of a research project from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The project called aCar Mobility was funded by the Bavarian Research  Foundation (BFS) to develop a sustainable electric vehicle for the African rural community.

The production prototype was unveiled at the IAA International Frankfurt Motors Show in 2017. The team responsible received 3 awards for their innovative product.

Images Courtesy of  EVUM Motors and Technical University of Munich (TUM)

http://www.evum-motors.com/

https://www.tum.de/en/

(MOROCCO) ASLAN

ASLAN is Morocco's first electric vehicle showcased by the National Transport and Logistic Company (SNTL) at the (Climate Change Summit) in Marrakesh Nov 8th 2016. Celebrating the continent with a 100% EV Pickup truck.

The ASLAN prototype, designed by the Engina development group of Morocco, created a product for the African market that does not have an existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. They made sure it could be easily recharged in less than 7 hours using a 220V power outlet, usually found in a urban dwelling or town council.

More detail can be found on the Open motors website.

Images Courtesy of  Open motors

https://openmotors.co/projects/aslan-ev-pickup-morocco/

Design and engineering company responsible for the vehicle design
https://www.engima.ma/_old/

(UK) The OX

Imagine building your vehicle in 12 hour without qualified skilled labour, just a group of friends and you. Have a look at this.

2016 this vehicle was launched boldly redefining mobility for Africa

Africa's answer to mobility?, you be the judge.

Background and inspiration for the project

· The first vehicle to be designed specifically to provide all-terrain mobility
for the developing world

·  Revolutionary OX™ flat-pack truck aims to help communities to
undertake a range of crucial daily tasks

· Envisioned by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Torquil Norman;
designed by renowned automotive engineer Professor Gordon Murray

“Our sole objective at the GVT is to help people in the developing world. As part of an aid
programme, the OX could provide an essential element of infrastructure to enable the
local population to raise the community’s standard of living, and to assert its
independence by gaining control of its transportation needs and costs.

Courtesy of Global Vehicle Trust

www.oxgvt.com

(Uganda) Kiira ev SMACK

Automotive manufacture is a serious goal heating up in the East Africa region.  Uganda comes in with an answer to Africa's private mobility needs after an earlier achievement of a full electric vehicle namely the Kiira EV prototype.  This time they created a proof of concept for a production vehicle with a Hybrid powertrain to match called the Kiira EV Smack. 

"East Africa’s first hybrid electronic car has gone on display in Kenya ahead of its production in 2018.

The Ugandan-made Kiira EV smack will be launched in Nairobi later on Friday as the manufacturers seek potential investors willing to fund their dream.

Kiira Motors Corporation, the manufacturer of the vehicle, is looking for $300 million to enable them begin production.

The hybrid electronic vehicle was conceptualised and made in Uganda, and now is seeking for potential investors across the East African region.

Chief Operations Officer of  Kiira motors, Albert Akovuku says: “The amount of investment that is required 350m USD.”

A first for East Africa, the Uganda government has already committed $70 million as seed funding.

Akovuku says : “ By 2018, we should have the first car out of the production line for the east African market.”

The moment the engine is off the battery takes over and gives you extra mileage

However,  in a region that does not generate enough electricity the car has been termed by many in Uganda as a prestige project, one likely to become a white elephant.

Not so says Akovuko who is driving the dream of having East Africa’s first hybrid electric car.

“The engine in there is a generator, when you are the on the road and the electric mode is off the generator automatically charges the batteries to give it traction, the moment the engine is off the battery takes over and gives you extra mileage.”

Hybrid electronic cars combine the benefits of gasoline and electric motor engines with the aim of attaining fuel economy, speed and engine efficiency.

The Kiira is no different says the manufacturer, who hopes to sell it at $20,000 per car.

What started as a university project, is now a Ugandan government project. The Ugandan government says it is stopping at nothing until Kiira EV smack in on the road in East Africa and soon across the continent."

Courtesy of

http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/0ae62f004632dfbc9c53fd96d4703d1f/East-Africas-first-hybrid-car-to-be-launched

(Nigeria) Innoson vehicles

The first step in realising vehicle production to interest local vehicle development through established joint ventures. Nigeria brings an answer to getting Africas mobility needs sorted.

The company, which is a proud manufacturer of made in Nigeria cars, buses, tankers and other products, would as from August 8, 2014, introduce brand new cars into the Nigerian automobile market at the cost of Nigerian Naira 1.5million equivalent to US Dollars 9000.

The chairman and chief executive of the company, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, who announced this in Enugu yesterday, said the cars, which would be fully air conditioned with every other specification, is aimed at getting Nigerians to own brand new cars.

T

he most expensive of the cars, according to Chukwuma, would cost Nigerian Naira 3.5million equivalent to US Dollars 21,000. 

IVM introduces automotive products from China, Japan and Germany. It's product line includes heavy duty vehicles, middle and high level buses, special environment friendly vehicles. The company carries out optimization design and assembly according to west african road condition so as to produce suitable products at affordable prices.

http://innosonivm.com/en/ProductList.Asp

(Ghana) Kantanka suv phase 2.

It's remarkable to see Apostle Dr.Kwadwo Safo push forward to establish an African automaker on the continent. With alot of effort and time, West Africa seems to be realising that dream a day at a time. It has been a buzz on Ghanaian media and the African continent at large.

Courtesy of the Ghanaian webportal "ghanaweb.com" the enterprise is described further.

The ‘Star of Africa’ set of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and Pickups are ready for sale, according to Kwadwo Safo Jr, CEO and Executive director of the Kantanka Automobile Company Limited, which produces the Kantanka vehicles.

The company has produced commercial quantities of the two vehicle types for the Ghanaian market.

A subsidiary of the ‘Star of Africa’, an organisation well known for its inventions, the Kantanka assembling plant has been more focused on the mass production of these two vehicles for months now.

“Now we have produced the SUVs and Pickups and they are ready for sale. But we have also opened our doors to anyone who wants to do a test drive of the car any day.” Safo Jr told StarrFMonline.com.

The vehicles, Safo Jnr. said, meets international standards and will soon prove to be the most economical brand-new vehicles to acquire on the Ghanaian market.

The car parts are imported, but assembled here in Ghana by a workforce of about 200 young men between the ages of 15-25, most of whom have no formal education and training in automobile engineering.

The plant can produce eight vehicles a day. It could increase the production rate by four or more, depending on market demand.

The founder of the Kantanka Star of Africa brand, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, is the brain behind all the Kantanka inventions.

Apostle Safo's son, Safo Jr, says his father is dedicated to making the Ghanaian a little more comfortable in their daily routines.

“My dad is always thinking ‘what’s next?’ So I love engaging in conversation with him. I look up to him a lot because although he is not as educated as I am, he always has something new to share.”

“What I love most is his ability to take that which is widely used, turn it around, and make an invention that will propel that device to respond better to the needs of the Ghanaian. He knows what a machine is meant for: to make life easy, and he ensures he does so in all his inventions.”

The government of Ghana has hinted at the possibility of investing in the growth of the company by buying majority of the vehicles for state institutions.

Kwadwo Safo Jr told StarrFMonline.com that Ghanaians are warming up to the Kantanka brand since it started the awareness a month ago, and many are developing some level of confidence in the brand.

“At first people were skeptical. I remember one gentleman was asked if he would buy a Ghana-made car, and he was quick to say 'no'. After a test drive, he proclaimed he would buy a Kantanka vehicle any day.”

THE TURTLE 1 ( GHANA )

TURTLE 1

African Automotive design is alive and well in Western Africa. Ghana to be precise. This is an intriguing concept vehicle that found life in the middle of a project and a local community.  Here is a brief detail on how it all came about.  

" Visual artist Melle Smets, researcher Joost van Onna traveled  to Kumasi in February 2013 to build a African concept car, in collaboration with the local community.

 They Set up Shop and created a unique automobile in three months. Philosopher Bram Esser joined the team and worked as an apprentice in local workshops to learn from the life in Suame Magazine. Filmmaker & Photographer Teun Vonk documented the building process of the concept car. The development of an African concept car is the connecting theme guiding the viewer through the international flow of waste processing as well as the local automotive cottage industries."

courtesy of 

 http://www.setupshop.eu/

http://www.hathawaydesigns.org/set-up-shop.html

LARAKI MOTORS Returns (MOROCCO/ AMERICAN RELAUNCH)

LARAKI MOTORS (MOROCCO/ AMERICAN RELAUNCH)

The Epitome is Laraki’s extreme, yet elegant interpretation of the mid front engine hypercar theme. Designed and built by Laraki Designs, in California, Epitome is aggressive, muscular and fearless, but still inviting. She is all about proportion, play of light, shapes and unusual surface treatment that finally work in harmony, to give her the unique character and stance she enjoys.
At a glance, one immediately knows the kind of performance Epitome is capable of. The hypercar uses carbon fiber and aluminum extensively, for their mechanical and light weight properties. The result is a 1400 Kg performer, powered by a 1100 hp quad turbo, 7 liter V8 engine. And there you have it, the universal formula for extraordinary cars. Light weight and high power. Nevertheless, the chassis and suspension are at the state of the art, to ensure unmatched performance.
More than a hypercar, the Laraki Epitome is a work of art, as it triggers one’s deepest emotions and senses. Even the smallest detail was created in that perspective. Components such as the side mirrors, the doors, the hood, the air ducts and other parts were given the highest attention to their esthetics, that they could be considered works of art in their own right.
Only a handful Epitomes will be ever made, for the world to appreciate and exclusive owners to enjoy.

Abdesslam Laraki
CEO, Laraki Designs California

Source 
larakiyachtdesign.com

A pure dream turned into reality. More is more. Be it the price, the size, the horse power its alright. Elegance is a state of being. Take it as you will, Laraki is the bold statement from a Moroccan Yacht and car designer.

African Automotive design is a rhetoric that observes and identifies syllables that echo Africa's rich heritage.

AADA-design-language

Previous posts featuring Laraki's earlier vehicle developments.

laraki-fulgura-concept-2007
laraki-borac
laraki-fulgura-2004 B
laraki-fulgura A

SE Automotive (NIGERIA)

We have a staunch dedication to design quality, with design being defined as fitness for purpose. Today, a car that is fit for its purpose must achieve and surpass the competition on 3 specific quality targets:

• Aesthetic Value
• Mechanical durability
• Functional relevance

These are the cornerstones of the SE Automotive brand. In order to build this brand, SE Automotive must follow a process of product and process development. This involves beginning with a low volume product, which inevitably means a high price and exclusivity.

Segun Akin-Olugbade's company webpage.

http://www.secars.com.ng

Segun Akin-Olugbade (CEO/Director of Development) is the brain behind SE Automotive, and responsible for a large part of the set up strategy of the organisation. He is also responsible for the design of the SE Dau, the company’s first car, and the quarter scale SE Dau Prototype. Segun has experience in automotive design and engineering from Perei Engineering (UK) Limited, where he worked as a Concept Development Engineer. He also engaged in a number of live, industry design projects at Coventry University, and Loughborough University in the UK, where he obtained a BA in Automotive Design, and a BEng in Automotive Engineering respectively.

Segun’s vision is for an industrialized Nigeria, supported in large part by a sustainable automotive industry. In addition to creating a formidable automotive business, Segun is also looking to pioneer skills growth in advanced automotive design and engineering development, by introducing state of the art methods of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Manufacture (CAM). In addition to putting Nigeria on the automotive development map, this will give engineers a broader range of skills, which they can use to create opportunities for themselves by innovating in their respective environments.

Source (http://www.changemakers.com)

Tanzania Automotive technology center (TANZANIA)

Tanzania Automotive Technology Centre (TATC). Established with an idea of creating a Centre of excellence in Tanzania to advance technology innovations, with the ultimate aim of attaining self reliance in technology relevant to the economic and social well-being of our country.

TATC was established in 1985 by a presidential decree, as a Research and Development Government Institution under the Ministry of Defence and National Service. The Centre is wholly owned by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Establishment Purpose

To create a Centre of Excellence in Tanzania to advance technological innovations, with the ultimate aim of attaining self reliance in technology relevant to the economic and social well being of the country.

Building of TATC

TATC was built through heavy Government investment , leading to;

• Technology acquisition through ‘technology transfer initiatives’ between Timoney Technology Ltd of the republic of Ireland and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

• Construction of the TATC technology infrastructure from a green field

Principal Functions of TATC

To adapt existing engineering technology to alleviate some of the existing problems in transport, agricultural machinery and industry (implementation or pursuit of this function results into adapted or reverse engineered technologies)

To design and develop for production, vehicles, plant and machinery suited to the needs of Tanzania. (implementation or pursuit of this function results into TATC developed technologies).

To conduct research in materials for use in field of mechanical engineering (Material research, metal plastics, rubber, composites.)

To provide consultancy services in the fields of electro-mechanical engineering (industrial consultancy services)

To act as a high technology training Centre.

To conduct quality assurance of land equipment and machinery purchased by the Government.

To undertake any special engineering tasks as directed by the Government

 Source (TATC)  http://www.tatcnyumbu.org

Mobius 2 (KENYA)

  

Mobius Two omits many non-essential features while maintaining essential functionality. It has already been driven over 2,500 Kilometres around Kenya on varied terrain and proved its rugged capability.

Mobius Two is designed for driving on rough African roads. The body has a 35cm ground clearance, rugged integrated skid plate and large tyres. This is combined with the power to weight ratio of a 4x4 for optimum off-road performance.

Mobius Two is versatile. The body and suspension are capable of transporting large or heavy loads long distances. The rear fold-up seats can be configured for a total of six or eight persons; they are removable, leaving a flat cargo space comparable to a pickup truck. Mobius has a rated rear load of 500kg.

Lasting structural rigidity is ensured by the tubular steel chasis, which incorporates design elements of high perfomance and racing vehicles. Aluminium honeycomb crumple zone bumpers absorb impact forces in the event of a collision.

Mobius uses proven components and is constructed so that parts can be easily serviced by mechanics. Repairs to the steel frame can be carried out using a simple welding procedure.

Source Mobius motors http://mobiusmotors.com

Nigerian woven car body design (NIGERIA)

The cane-made car above is a display of creativity and ingenuity at its peak, as the Peugeot pick-up was woven with cane from the roof, to the bonnet, bumpers, and down to the rims of the tyres!

A middle aged man, tall who introduced himself as Mr Obaniyi Adeoye Ojo who is responsibille for the re-designing of the Peugeot pick-up      said he just wanted to do  something unique and promote Nigerian culture the more.

Very unique I must say!

Source: http://www.ghanacrunch.com/2012/photo-nigerian-man-makes-car-with-woven-cane/#ixzz2IvwJUqZb