Egypt’s state-owned Nasr Automobile Company is pioneering eco-friendly public transport in the country, with its first locally-produced electric car and bus. The company aims to become a regional hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and exporting, in line with the government’s vision of sustainable development.
Nasr Automobile Company has launched the Nasr E70, the first electric car to be manufactured in Egypt. The car is based on the Chinese Dongfeng E70 model, and has a range of 400 kilometers on a single charge. The car is equipped with advanced features such as a smart dashboard, a panoramic sunroof, a rear camera, and a wireless charging system.
The Nasr E70 is part of the company’s vision to develop electric vehicle technology locally, by establishing its own research and development center. The company also plans to produce electric batteries and components in Egypt, to increase the local content and reduce the cost of production.
The Nasr E70 is expected to hit the market in 2024, with a price tag of 300,000 Egyptian pounds (about 19,000 US dollars). The car will benefit from the government’s incentives and subsidies for electric vehicles, such as tax exemptions, reduced customs fees, and free charging stations.
Nasr CNG Bus: A Prototype for Cleaner Public Transport
Nasr Automobile Company has also developed a prototype for a compressed natural gas (CNG) powered bus, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption in the public transport sector. The bus has a capacity of 50 passengers, and can run on both CNG and gasoline. The bus is designed to meet the international standards of safety and comfort, and has features such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and USB ports.
The Nasr CNG bus is the result of a cooperation between Nasr Automobile Company and the Ministry of Military Production, which provided the chassis and the engine for the bus. The bus is currently undergoing testing and evaluation, and is expected to be mass-produced and deployed in the near future.
The Nasr CNG bus is part of the government’s initiative to convert public transport vehicles to run on natural gas, as a cleaner and cheaper alternative to diesel. The initiative aims to convert 50,000 vehicles per year, and to establish 366 natural gas stations across the country by 2023.
Nasr Automobile Company: A History of Innovation
Nasr Automobile Company is Egypt’s oldest and largest automobile manufacturer, founded in 1960 in Helwan, south of Cairo. The company is the first Arab vehicle manufacturer, and has produced licensed versions of various Fiat models, as well as trucks and heavy vehicles. The company has also cooperated with other international automakers, such as FSO, Zastava, and Tofaş.
Nasr Automobile Company has faced several challenges and crises over the years, due to the changing market conditions, the outdated production lines, and the lack of investment and innovation. The company stopped producing passenger vehicles in 2009, and focused on repairing and maintaining its existing fleet.
However, the company has recently revived its production and modernized its facilities, with the support of the government and the private sector. The company has signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding with Chinese, Turkish, and German companies, to transfer technology and expertise, and to produce new models of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Nasr Automobile Company aims to reposition itself as a leader in the automotive industry, both locally and regionally, and to contribute to the national sustainable development strategy, “Egypt 2030”. The company’s slogan is “Nasr: The Future of Mobility”.
