Auto company to assemble cars in Algeria, other African countries

Kia Motors Corp is expanding in Africa.

According to Reuters, this news was announced by Soon Nam Lee, President of the company's Middle East and Africa headquarters, who said the plan was to establish the brand in east Africa.

"It is important to penetrate the African market. We are also looking at the prospects of opening similar plants in Algeria and other countries," he said.

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In related news, the auto company has signed a deal with Belayab Motors PLC, a local company in Ethiopia.

Confirming the news, Fikadu Girma, Belayab's General Manager, said, "we plan to produce 3,000 vehicles of three models every year.

The Rio subcompact model and the Sportage sports utility vehicle are among the models that will be assembled at the plant, which will be expanded through a 150 million birr ($6.83 million) investment from Belayab."

The general manager also said the number of assembled cars could increase to 9,000, with extra shifts.

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Kia currently has only one plant in Africa, and it is based in Nigeria.