China introduces new four wheel drive into Ghana

Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - The second international motor show opened in Accra on Wednesday with the outdoor of a new 4 x 4 double cabin Wingle Pick Up designed for the rough African terrain by Mr. Opare Addo, Deputy Minister of Transportation.

The Wingle Pick Up, manufactured purposely to stand tough weather, resist corrosion, with a self creative high pressure common rail power diesel engine, by Great Wall Motor Company of China with a focus on the African market.

The automobile, spare parts and accessories fair, dubbed: the "Motor Show," is on the general theme, "Converging Automobile Technology for Social Economic Development in Wets Africa for a better tomorrow," was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Transportation. The five-day Motor Show seeks to offer a one-stop market for manufacturers, dealers or agents and consumers qualitative and innovative platform for interaction, sharing of technological ideas and projection of Ghana on the international automobile market. Mr Opare Addo called for discipline in the transport industry especially on the roads and stressed the need for operators in the industry to organize regular training for the public. He said, "to catch up with the rapid technological development in the automobile industry there is the need for constant drivers, mechanics, and all stakeholders in the industry to up grade their knowledge".

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Mr. David Ansah General Manager of Sneda Motors Limited authorized agent of Great Wall in Ghana said the Chinese company decided to outdoor the Wingle Pick Up in Ghana as the country had been selected as a hub for Chinese automobile industry in the West African market.

"The favourable infrastructure development, efficient financial sector regulations, stable political regime, aggressive development strategy and cordial relationship between the two nations, dating back from independence were among the yardstick used," he said. He explained that Sneda Motors was established to foster automobile trade links between Ghana and China and to explore the West African sub-regional market of about 250 million people and deals in Chinese trucks, FYM motorcycles, Chery saloon cars, pick-ups and station wagons, manufactured by Great Wall Automobile Holding Company, Dong Feng Motor Industries, Chery Automobile and FYM Motorcycles and JMC. FYM motorcycles, Chery saloon cars, pick-ups and station wagons. "Our vehicles are economical, low fuel consumption, special features for tough African road and very durable," Mr Ansah said demand for Chinese automobile in the West African sub-region is very encouraging as "we offer customized vehicles for the difficult terrain, humid environment at economical rate to meet the financial status of most people."

Mr. Ahmed Odoi, Sales and Marketing Officer of Sneda Motors said the Wingle pick-up is the first high-pressure common rail and high-end diesel pick up in China.

He said it has bigger tyre sizes, which ensure stability on the ground with an engine power and torque for driving in muddy areas. "The 4WD is electronic, you need only to touch a knob and the whole system engages in the 4WD mode, no more auxiliary gear," he said.