Łukašenka: motor plant to produce domestic passenger car engine

October 24, Pozirk. Belarus “unfolds new production” of passenger cars in cooperation with FAW, China’s state-owned automobile manufacturer, Alaksandar Łukašenka told his young supporters today at the Independence Palace.

“We are launching it, but localization is key today,” Łukašenka said. “We should have our own parts for this car. We have everything for that. Yes, making our own engine and gearbox is not an easy task. But we have set it. We have a motor plant – let it hurry to produce it. We make boxes and engines for other cars, but this new work is more delicate. But we will do it.”

An additional stamping workshop will be built in Belarus in agreement with the Chinese partner, he added.

“If we need equipment, they will help us. Little by little, we will be getting closer to our own production. We have bought their license, so we will produce Belgee cars. They will be even better than the ones we already make [the Geely cars produced at the Belgee factory]. But it will take a while. Nevertheless, we have an ambitious program: to provide our people with our own car. Imports are imports, but we need our own,” Łukašenka said.

Another priority is to create an electric car, he continued. “There are certain designs in Belarus, and we should develop them. We have everything except the battery.”

“We will have a good main car, and we are also attracting investors to produce their own cars,” Łukašenka said.

Meeting with FAW Group management on March 2 in Beijing, Łukašenka said Belarus wanted to develop its automotive industry together with China.

On September 18, his first deputy industry minister, Alaksandar Aharodnikaŭ, said that the Unison company in Apčak, Minsk region, was set to produce about 1,000 passenger cars for the FAW Group’s Hongqi brand this year.