This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 18, 2019, Hyundai Motors made its entry into Somalia's car market, marking a significant milestone in the country's automotive industry.
The South Korean car manufacturer has partnered with Dahabshiil Group of companies to introduce eight Hyundai model cars, including the Grand Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Tuscon, Creta, Elantra, Grand i10, a 14-seater commercial truck, and a light truck.
According to Awil Sharif, CEO of Dahabshiil Motors, the Hyundai expansion is expected to have a profound impact on Somalia's motor industry, driven by ongoing development projects such as the DP World Expansion of Berbera Port project.
This project aims to create a free trade zone and the Berbera corridor highway, connecting Berbera Port to other parts of the East African region.
Hyundai's entry into Somalia comes on the heels of its recent assembly plant opening in Ethiopia, the first of its kind in East Africa, which has the capacity to assemble vehicles for Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti.
Related: Motor Company Hyundai opens assembly plant in Ethiopia
