This year, IVECO and AMCE celebrate 50 years partnership driving Ethiopia’s automotive sector
AMCE (Automotive Manufacturing Company of Ethiopia), a portfolio company of Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), teamed up with global automotive leader IVECO in 1975, a collaboration that has played a defining role in Ethiopia’s transport and industrial development.
Established in 1970 and entering a joint venture with FIAT/IVECO shortly thereafter, AMCE has now assembled and delivered more than 30,000 IVECO commercial vehicles over five decades including the iconic 682N3 trucks, Trakker, IVECO T-Way, Leoncino buses, and specialized trailers built to serve Ethiopia’s growing logistics and public service sectors.
“For 50 years, AMCE and IVECO have worked hand-in-hand to deliver durable, reliable, and locally assembled vehicles that move Ethiopia forward,” said Antonio Caruso, AMCE general manager.
“We are proud of the legacy we’ve built together and look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and partnership.”
Founded in 1970, AMCE operates under a joint venture structure, with 70% ownership by IVECO and 30% by the Ethiopian government through EIH.
The impact of the AMCE and IVECO partnership extends far beyond assembly lines, however.
It has enabled technology and skills transfer across Ethiopia’s industrial ecosystem, spurring the growth of local manufacturers.
The after-sales and maintenance sector has similarly benefited, with technical expertise shared with workshops and service providers from Adama to Bahir Dar.
AMCE’s spare parts dealers throughout the country also allow IVECO customers access to genuine parts.
As Ethiopia continues to prioritise industrialisation and logistics modernisation, IVECO and AMCE remain committed to supporting these national priorities through advanced vehicle solutions, workforce training and local value creation.
“AMCE stands as a model of how joint ventures can deliver long-term economic and social value for Ethiopia,” said Dr Brook Taye, CEO of EIH.
“This partnership has been instrumental in strengthening Ethiopia’s automotive capacity and driving sustainable industrial growth.”
He added: “The next phase of our partnership will focus on addressing the logistics sector constraints in partnership with our portfolio companies and the private sector and introducing a wide range of IVECO’s electric vehicle options to the Ethiopian market.”
Read more:
Daimler Truck vehicle assembly plant in Senegal
A boost for South African automotive manufacturing
IVECO embraces change in product and services renewal
IVECO partners with Al-Imtiyazgroup to expand presence in Libya
AMCE: a blueprint for success in Ethiopia’s transport market
Dr Brook Taye (left), CEO of EIH, pictured with Shahram Falati, IVECO’s business director for Africa & Middle East. (Image source: IVECO)
