Tunis Mercedes
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THE MERCEDES-BENZ Transporter programme, already assembled at two facilities in Spain, is to be manufactured at a new plant in Northern Tunisia.
The project, which has been initiated by Mercedes-Benz Espana (54.8 per cent owned by Daimler-Benz), involves the creation of a North Africanbased company — to be known as SOVI, Societe de vehicules industriels — with a majority holding by a Tunisian-Kuwaiti banking consortium. The remaining 49 per cent is financed by Mercedes-Benz Espana, including Saudi-Arabian and Moroccan participation.
The plant is expected to begin production early in 1985 with an initial output of 2,200 vehicles. Planned capacity is 4,000 units a year of which at least half is destined for export, with Morocco expected to become the largest market.
Almost one third of all parts needed for the light vehicle range will be sourced in Tunisia; they will include engine blocks, radiators, brakes, lights, batteries and tyres.