HARARE, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A joint venture of Chinese and Zimbabwean auto companies on Monday launched a top-of-the-range pickup truck, the Grand Tiger, in Zimbabwe.
The launch followed the joint venture forged between Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd (BAIC Group) and two Zimbabwean companies to form Beiqi Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd.
The local partners are the government owned Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries and automotive and spare parts dealer Astol Motors, who jointly own 49 percent of shares in the joint venture.
Beiqi Zimbabwe will be involved in the importation of whole vehicles, knocked down kits, distribution, services and finance management.
The joint venture is projected to create 5,000 jobs directly and indirectly and generate 1.3 million U.S. dollars in Value Added Tax and other tax revenues in 2017, while future exports will also generate the much needed foreign currency.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping said that Chinese companies had cast a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe's development.
"I believe that the cooperation with BAIC Group will inject new and strength into Willowvale Motor Industries plant and energy bring it into new successes," he said.
The Grand Tiger comes as a 4x2 or 4x4 single or double cab and is equipped with a Toyota technology 2.5l common rail turbo-charge diesel engine which saves fuel through an intelligent electronic control fuel injection system that gives it 100 km per 6 liters.
With a minimum ground clearance of 210 mm coupled with military chassis technology, the truck is suitable for Zimbabwe's rugged terrain and is an addition to various other Chinese models locally available, such as GWM, Chery and Jinbei. Enditem
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