The CEO of Volkswagen (VW) Ghana, Jeffrey Oppong Peprah, has highlighted the significance of supporting locally assembled vehicles, describing it as essential for the sustainability and growth of the automotive industry in Ghana.

He commended the government’s decision to impose a 35% import tax on vehicles competing with locally assembled ones, stating that the policy is a step in the right direction to promote local production and protect the industry.

“If we want to create an industry, we can be sustainable when we have demands. And at the moment, if we are not able to compete with imported vehicles, then the investments that we are doing are not really, we are not creating jobs, we are not creating anything here,” he explained

Oppong Peprah made these comments during the media launch of Volkswagen Ghana’s new product, the Amarok, at the company’s new office on Patrice Lumumba Street.

The Amarok, a 10-speed vehicle, is designed to navigate challenging terrains and is suitable for both personal and commercial use.

Mr. Oppong Peprah highlighted the vehicle’s features, stating, “This car can even walk through waters. And then I said, if you look at the mining, you go into the pits, going underground, this vehicle can do it. So it’s very robust, and this is one of the features.”

He also emphasised the importance of integrating the informal sector into the auto industry, stating, “We need to bring them on board, give them the necessary education, because if we produce vehicles and we don’t have people who have the knowledge to repair them, then that means it’s not very sustainable.”

On the issue of vehicle financing, Mr. Oppong Peprah revealed that Volkswagen Ghana is working with the government and stakeholders to create incentivised loan rates for individuals purchasing locally assembled vehicles.

“We’re looking at specialised or incentivised loan percentage if you are buying a local assembly product… This will give people the appetite to go for these loans,” he said.

The launch of the Amarok marks a significant milestone for Volkswagen Ghana, and the company is optimistic about the vehicle’s potential in the Ghanaian market.