Ethiopia Auto sales fell down a sharp 32% in the 2017 albeit the fast growing economic speed unchanged with Ethiopia still leading the African economies. Despite opening of several local plants, new vehicles prices are still too high for local income.
Economic Environment
Ethiopia remains mired in a political crisis following the resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in February. A new leader has yet to be named by the ruling coalition, and anti-government demonstrations and outbreaks of violence continued in recent weeks, despite a state of emergency being declared. The new prime minister will need to focus on calming political and ethnic tensions, as well as ensuring cohesion within the ruling coalition for smooth policymaking. Economic momentum, however, is unlikely to be derailed by the current political uncertainty, and the incoming leader will inherit one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest growing economies, supported by a robust infrastructure investment program.
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa after Nigeria with 90 million people ans still strong population growing index.
Market Trend
Ethiopian vehicles market in recent years has been revitalized by the presence aof several small local assembly plants, built by Chines BYD, FAW, Lifan, Sinotruck and Geely, plus Toyota and, since 2017, Kia.
Despite still positive economic environment, the Ethiopian market in recent years has deteriorated, dropping from near 4.000 units in 2015 to 3.282 in 2017.
| Sales 2012 | Sales 2013 | Sales 2014 | Sales 2015 | Sales 2016 | Sales 2017 | Sales 2018 e | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car+LCV | 4.073 | 4.018 | 4.487 | 5.206 | 5.785 | 3.866 | 3.698 |
| HCV | 648 | 1.011 | 1.310 | 1.367 | 1.193 | 842 | 814 |
| Total | 4.721 | 5.029 | 5.797 | 6.573 | 6.978 | 4.708 | 4.512 |
| 2012 Var | 2013 Var | 2014 Var | 2015 Var | 2016 Var | 2017 Var | 2018 var e | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car+LCV | -32,7% | -1,4% | 11,7% | 16,0% | 11,1% | -33,2% | -4,3% |
| HCV | 15,3% | 56,0% | 29,6% | 4,4% | -12,7% | -29,4% | -3,3% |
| Total | -28,6% | 6,5% | 15,3% | 13,4% | 6,2% | -32,5% | -4,2% |
At brand-wise, the market leader was Isuzu with 888 sales (-44.4%) followed by Toyota with 787 (-47.9%) and Lifan with 516 (-29.5%).
