Renault’s Algerian plant became a done deal Thursday, with production beginning in mid-2014, which will see the French auto maker become the sole passenger car builder in the North African state.
The Symbol, a re-badged Dacia Logan, will be the sole vehicle produced in Algeria. French labor unions will undoubtedly be unhappy that their domestic auto makers are sending manufacturing jobs offshore as they cut domestic production, but the economics necessitate production in a low-cost country.
A French spokesman told Just-Auto
“It is a win-win partnership between Renault and Algeria. This model has never been produced in France and never will be. We can’t produce low-cost vehicles in a high-cost country – it doesn’t work economically.”
Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande praised the deal during his state visit to Algeria on Thursday. Hollande and the French auto industry have scored a massive coup by ensuring that no auto maker can set up a plant in Algeria for three years after the start of production. Volkswagen was previously vying to be the one to set up shop in the country, but lost out to Renault in the end. With Carlos Ghosn keen to establish a foothold on the continent, Renault-Nissan should have a strong head start thanks to Renault, Dacia and the forthcoming Datsun brand, which is also targeting Africa as one of its main markets
I understand why Renault would want it, but why would Algeria agree to give effectively a 5+ year exclusivity contract? Were other countries (Morocco?) competing for the factory?
It’s called “Legacy Colonialism”.
Ibn sharmuta! Almost fell off the chair with the NSFW title! Not expecting to see that on my screen today…
pls translate autobraz…
Kuss Ummak – Your mother’s pu**y, frequently used as F You.
Ibn Sharmuta – Son of a wh*re
I havent laughed this much since Sajeev’s “Cunjoos” reference.
The Derek tribe of middle eastern in me was also enjoying the motherly genitalia reference.
Why would production be begging. Or is that production is going begging?
The word Kuss is Middle-Eastern Arabic (Levant/Arabia). In Algeria(North Africa) they would use Hatchun Yemek or a softer Teez Omok.