O’Clock Motors, a domestic automotive assembler, officially inaugurated a new 24-hour vehicle showroom and dedicated maintenance center today. The opening comes as Ethiopian automotive firms face increasing pressure to align with new government mandates requiring importers and assemblers to provide comprehensive after-sales support and infrastructure for the nation’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) fleet.
The inauguration was attended by Jantirar Abay, Addis Ababa’s Deputy Mayor and Head of the Industrial Development Bureau. During the event, officials noted that the facility was developed to meet the Ministry of Transport and Logistics’ latest directives. These regulations stipulate that companies must establish professional service centers and maintain a consistent supply of spare parts to ensure the long-term viability of the electric vehicles currently being prioritized by national policy.
While the move highlights the private sector’s role in the “green” transition, it also reflects the operational shift required of local businesses. O’Clock Motors, which operates two local assembly plants, has transitioned a significant portion of its production toward Wuling brand vehicles. The company confirmed it has readied seven different Wuling EV models for the market, ranging from five-seat private cars to 14-passenger commercial vans, as the government continues its 2024 ban on the import of petrol-powered private automobiles.
The facility’s 24-hour service model aims to address one of the primary concerns of EV adopters in Ethiopia: the reliability of specialized technical support. Historically, the rapid influx of EVs into the country has outpaced the development of specialized repair shops, leading to concerns regarding battery maintenance and software updates. O’Clock Motors stated that their new hub is equipped with modern machinery and trained technicians to bridge this gap for both their fuel-based and electric models.
As an indigenous company with over 20 years of experience, O’Clock Motors’ expansion serves as a litmus test for the feasibility of Ethiopia’s ambitious 10-year transport plan. While the government aims to see 500,000 EVs on the road by 2032, the success of this transition depends heavily on the ability of local firms to maintain these vehicles. The new Kality-based center represents a significant investment in that direction, though industry analysts suggest that continued infrastructure growth and stable power access will remain critical factors for the sector’s overall health.