Local car assembler expands pickup production

DAR ES SALAAM: SATURN Corporation Limited plans to start assembling pickup trucks in the country by mid to late next year, marking a major step in its operational growth and supporting the country’s push toward industrialisation.

This strategic move not only diversifies the company’s product lineup but also aligns closely with Tanzania’s broader industrial development objectives, aiming to boost local manufacturing capacity, create jobs and reduce reliance on imported vehicles.

The expansion reflects growing confidence in the Tanzanian market and signals a potential shift in the regional automotive industry landscape.

The company, which currently assembles Chinese-made trucks heavy duty, says the move responds to growing demand across key sectors including agriculture, mining and regional transport.

“We have seen a growing need for pickups, around July or August next year, we will begin assembling pickups with capacities of 1 tonne and 1.5 tonnes,” said Mr Rehballah Habib, Managing Director of Saturn Corporation.

Saturn Corporation Limited is broadening its product range by preparing to introduce light-duty trucks weighing between 5 and 15 tonnes, targeting both domestic and export markets.

He said this expansion complements its existing lineup of vehicles already utilised in Tanzania’s mineral-rich and agricultural regions, as well as for cross-border transport to neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

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The company’s heavy-duty Howo trucks, designed primarily for mining applications, have a full capacity of 35 tonnes; however, Tanzanian road regulations currently limit them to 32 tonnes.

This regulatory framework highlights ongoing challenges related to infrastructure and compliance that the industry must navigate.

Production at Saturn’s facility has shown steady growth, increasing from three vehicles per shift at launch to 16 vehicles per eight-hour workday, with an ambitious target of 25 vehicles per day by 2027.

This gradual scale-up reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and meeting growing market demand.

Importantly, Saturn is shifting its workforce strategy by reducing reliance on Chinese technical staff and focusing on local employment and skills development.

By retaining only five Chinese experts, the company aims to empower Tanzanian youth through targeted training and capacity building, supporting broader goals of sustainable industrial growth.

Saturn’s expansion aligns closely with Tanzania’s national industrialisation agenda, which emphasises job creation, self-reliance and reduced dependency on imports through localised manufacturing.

The company’s growth not only strengthens the domestic automotive sector but also contributes to regional economic integration by facilitating trade with neighbouring countries.

Overall, Saturn’s strategic development illustrates the interplay between market opportunity, regulatory context and socio-economic objectives, positioning it as a key player in Tanzania’s evolving industrial landscape.