GB Auto has announced that it is expanding its regional presence to include direct distribution and aftersales operations in Algeria and Libya.
Sales and aftersales operations in the two key North African markets via local ventures will begin in the second quarter of 2013; GB Auto has management control of each local venture.
In Libya, GB Auto will distribute both Geely passenger cars and Great Wall pickup trucks alongside Triangle tires, while in Algeria the company will market Geely passenger cars and Lassa, Grandstone and Rotalla tires.
Regional operations already account for more than one-third of the Egypt-based company's total sales.
"I am very pleased today to announce that we have made further concrete progress in our long- standing strategy of a measured regional expansion," said GB Auto Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Raouf Ghabbour (pictured).
"Algeria and Libya are among the most promising markets in one of the world's most promising regions. Our expectation is that as we become more established in these key countries, our product-offering will grow from passenger cars, pickup trucks and tires to include a number of products, including commercial vehicles and more, even as we explore the opportunities available in additional territories."
The addition of Libya and Algeria to the company's areas of operations brings its regional presence to four primary countries: its home market of Egypt, as well as Iraq (which now accounts for more than one-third of the group's total sales revenue), Libya and Algeria.