Volvo and MCV have inaugurated a new electric bus manufacturing facility in New Salhia City, Sharqia Governorate, about an hour and a half from Cairo, as part of a drive to strengthen MCV’s position in international markets.
The production line, part of a 300,000 square metre facility, was completed within one year and has been designed to European standards. It is dedicated exclusively to building Volvo buses for export markets in Europe — with chassis for the BZL and 8900 models receiving bodies. The BZR chassis is currently under technology transfer, to eventually be built in the Egyptian production facility. Production capacity is slated to be 1,200 buses per year.
The new line is expected to see additional employment for 2,000 people and represents an investment of three billion Egyptian pounds, or approximately £46 million.
The opening ceremony was joined by senior government officials and industry leaders including Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Transport; Hazem Al-Ashmouni, Governor of Sharkia; the Swedish Ambassador to Egypt, Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt; Volvo Buses Global President Anna Westberg; and other senior figures from MCV and Volvo International.
MCV Chairman Karim Ghabbour said the project marks a turning point for the company.
“The opening of this new factory represents a milestone in the company’s journey toward expansion and growth. We have set our sights on this project being a qualitative addition to the national industry, a source of new job opportunities for young people, and enhancing our competitiveness in global markets, as the entire production capacity of this factory is dedicated to export to Europe only.
“Through this factory, we aspire not only to meet the growing demand for products in European markets, but also to expand into new markets, contributing to supporting the national economy and affirming Egypt’s position as a distinguished regional industrial hub. This opening is a practical step toward achieving the company’s future vision of being a key partner in driving industrial growth and economic development in Egypt and the region.”
