The first ever Phoenix Ashok Leyland brand of vehicles fully assembled in the country by Ghanaian engineers have been launched.

The 30 vehicles were assembled at Rana Motors at its vehicle assembling plant located at Amasaman in the Ga West Municipality. 

The two-tonne light commercial trucks come with a five-year warranty and have a relatively cheaper fuel consumption. 

The launch of the Phoenix trucks brings to eight the range of cars assembled in the country by Rana Motors.  

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, who launched the trucks described the feat by Rana Motors as a key milestone in the country’s automotive industry. 

He said it was particularly inspiring that the Phoenix Ashok Leyland vehicles were wholly assembled by local engineers.

Component assembly policy

Mr Baafi said the launch of the Phoenix Ashok Leyland vehicles bore ample testimony that the Ghana Automotive Development policy which was developed by the government to promote the development of the automotive industry was making a positive impact.

He said the assembly of Ashok Leyland brands of vehicles under the GADP had brought to 11 the brands of vehicles assembled under the programme. 

The deputy minister added that as a measure to promote the development of an integrated automotive industry, the government was finalising processes on the development of a Component Manufacturing policy. 

"This policy is meant to attract investments from component manufacturers to feed into the local automotive industry while supplying aftermarket components across the sub-region," he said. 

He said the policy would further enhance the availability of certified parts and assmly components to drive the export of made-in-Ghana vehicles under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) rules.

New dawn 

The Chief Operation Officer of Rana Motors, Kassem M. Odaymat, commended the government for developing the GADP as it had paved the way for the establishment of vehicle assembly plants in the country. 

He said the launch of the phoenix truck was the results of stringer partnership between Rana Motors and Ashok Leyland stressed that the success of any venture was underpinned by such collaborations.

“The Phoenix truck we have launched today is more than a vehicle; it is a reflection of our passion for progress and our unwavering commitment to providing solutions that meet the ever evolving needs of customers,’ he said.

Mr Odaymat said what set the phoenix truck apart was its tailor-made features that addressed the diverse needs of customers.

For instance, he said the trucks had fuel-efficient engines, spacious interior, multi-angled adjustable seats and superior mileage.

Commercial relationships

The Acting High Commissioner at the Indian High Commission, Chinpau Ngaihte, said the launch of the vehicle would further strengthen the commercial relationship between India and Ghana.

“The locally assembled Ashok Phoenix trucks showcases Ghana’s dedication to innovation, growth and self-reliance, boosting the local economy and paving the way for a brighter industrial future,” he added.

He urged the automobile companies to continue to operate within the laws of the country and take advantage of the GADP to expand their businesses to create more employment opportunities in the country.

For his part, the head of International Operations of Ashok Leyland, Rajesh R., said the unveiling of the phoenix vehicles was a momentous occasion that signified that partnerships between credible brands could unleash enormous growth potential.

“With Rana Motors and Ashok Leyland, supported by enabling government policies and customers in Ghana, I want to emphasise that no dream is too far,” he said.