Local automotive manufacturer Quest Motors has embarked on an ambitious revival programme centred on electric vehicle (EV) production after investing US$1.2 million to upgrade its Mutare assembly plant.
The development was announced during a tour of the refurbished facility by Government officials, marking a significant step as the company positions itself as a major player in Zimbabwe’s growing EV manufacturing landscape.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the resuscitation of the Mutare plant reflects renewed industrial momentum under the Second Republic led by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“With the coming in of the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, we have had our companies coming back to life. The industry is beginning to be what it should be,” he said.
Quest Motors General Manager, Carl Fernandes, said the investment aligns the company with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda and Vision 2030, as the firm shifts towards next-generation vehicle technologies.
“Today marks a milestone as we align with Vision 2030 and the Zimbabwean industrial reconstruction and growth plan. Our goal is to pioneer the assembly of new energy vehicles in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Fernandes revealed that over US$1.2 million has been injected into factory upgrades, with an additional US$300 000 worth of specialised equipment set to arrive by August. The new machinery includes a modern body shop, advanced welding guns, a standalone paint shop, a five-station rolling road, and a comprehensive testing centre designed to meet international standards.
“These upgrades will allow QMM to achieve a production capacity of 5 000 vehicles per month,” he noted.
Quest Motors has also entered into strategic partnerships with global automotive brands, enabling local assembly of models such as Skyworth SUVs and JAC Motors T9 double cabs.
Selected Motors Group Chief Executive Officer, Justin De Ricquebourg, said the collaboration will play a critical role in rebuilding Zimbabwe’s automotive manufacturing value chain.
“Quest assembles the vehicle, and we bring it to market. Together we create a fully localised value chain system,” he said.
Looking beyond assembly operations, Quest Motors also plans to roll out a national fast-charging network to support the adoption of electric vehicles across Zimbabwe. The company says the initiative will reduce carbon emissions while cutting the country’s vehicle and fuel import bill.
