Presidential Spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy confirmed that the President was apprised of the comprehensive scope of activities and projects undertaken by the factories and companies affiliated with the AOI across diverse sectors.
In this regard, the President conducted an inspection of
several Citroën C4X vehicle models, which are locally manufactured with a 45%
local component ratio within AOI factories. This initiative is a collaborative
partnership with the Arab American Vehicles Company (AAV) and the French "Stellantis"
Group.
The AOI Chairman elaborated that planning for the production
of this model commenced in August 2023, with technical and logistical
preparations culminating in the production of initial prototypes in March 2025.
He added that approximately 7,000 units are projected for annual production
over a four-year period, totaling 28,000 vehicles. Furthermore, preparations
are presently underway for the production of a new vehicle in cooperation with
the "Stellantis" Group, with production slated to commence in late 2026,
amounting to a total of 240,000 vehicles. These vehicles will be manufactured exclusively
within AOI factories, without production at any of the group's other global
facilities.
Major General Abdel Latif articulated that AOI adheres to a comprehensive
strategy designed to bolster local manufacturing, increase exports, and enhance
the technological and production capabilities of its facilities. This strategy
also involves collaborative initiatives with the private sector to form joint
ventures, capitalizing on the AOI's sophisticated industrial resources.
President El-Sisi emphasized the critical importance of the
AOI's contributions across diverse sectors, especially its role in boosting
local manufacturing, promoting industrial localization, and expanding exports.
These endeavors are essential for reducing the national import bill and
conserving foreign currency, thereby offering significant support to the
national economy.
The President was also briefed on the extant cooperation
frameworks between the AOI and several leading international corporations
operating within the automotive industry.
The official spokesperson concluded by stating that the President issued directives to continue strengthening cooperation with private sector companies, both domestically and internationally. This directive aligns with the state's overarching strategy to localize the automotive industry, increase the percentage of local components, and maximize exports of products manufactured within Egypt.