adminWednesday, Quest Motors (Mutare) director Mr Tarik Adam said it was imperative for Zimbabweans to support local industries.
“We need to promote the motor industry. Let’s get the economy moving,” said Mr Adam.
He said the Government should support local industry by implementing the policies and the Presidential Order of 2002.
It directs that “all vehicles purchased by Government and by other public institutions (including parastatals) shall be procured from local vehicle assembly plants” in order to promote the development of the domestic automotive industry and in order to conserve foreign earnings.
Mr Adam added that Zimbabweans were capable of building technologically advanced vehicles especially if a conducive environment was created.
One of the challenges faced by Quest Motors according to Mr Adam was the lack of credit facilities.
Mr Adam said the firm had gone into partnership with Buy Zimbabwe to assist in the lobbying.
Buy Zimbabwe operations manager Mr Alois Burutsa urged people should buy locally.
“Quest is not getting enough support especially from Government departments.
“Vehicles are being dumped in Zimbabwe. That is affecting the manufacturers and there is need to put in place anti-dumping measures,” he said.
Mr Burutsa added South Africa had policies in place to protect the country’s motor industry and that the Zimbabwean motor industry is capable of providing a lot to the country’s economic growth if they are given the requisite support.
At full capacity Quest Motor produces 35 units per day on a single shift and with 2 000 employees. However, at present the company is producing six units per day with 200 employees on its payroll.
Quest Motor Manufacturing started operating in 1960 as a motor vehicle manufacturing plant under the name Austin Motor Corporation.
The manufacturing company mainly focuses on the assembling of passenger vehicles, light and heavy trucks, buses and tractors.
Online Reporter