Some Japanese car makers are about to open in Algeria assembly units for utility cars and trucks, Japan’s ambassador to Algeria told the press, during a business club meeting regrouping investors from both nations.

“Japan is really interested in investing in Algeria, in several of its sectors of activities. We already have car manufacturers such as Nissan and Suzuki who project to build car assembly units in Algeria, waiting only for the approval of Algerian authorities to proceed,” said Masawa Fujiwara.

The diplomat added that Toyota was also interested in establishing an assembly unit in the country, via Hino Motors, its subsidiary which makes only buses and trucks. In the meantime, European car makers such as PSA Peugeot Citröen or Volkswagen also announced upcoming projects.

The companies do not wish to lose Algeria’s automobile market, which is quite lucrative, as the local authorities imposed them to build car assembly units in the country, or have their operating permits retrieved.