In a significant boost to Egypt’s automotive sector, General Motors (GM) has commenced the production of the much-anticipated 2025 Chevy Optra at its 6th of October City plant. This marks a new chapter for the Chevy Optra, following its official unveiling in Egypt three months ago.
The announcement was made during a year-end celebration event hosted by GM Egypt. The event not only marked the beginning of the Chevy Optra’s production but also celebrated the business achievements of 2024.
“Wrapping up the 2024 year, GM Egypt’s final ‘All People Meeting’ event reflected on the business’s accomplishments and outlined key goals for the upcoming year,” GM stated. Jack Uppal’s visit was particularly significant as he commemorated the launch of the first new Optra unit off the production line.
The first model produced, a striking red Premier trim, is part of a broader assembly plan coded as 310C, signaling a revival of passenger vehicle production at GM’s Egyptian facility. The previous Optra model, based on the Baojun 630, ceased local assembly in 2023, making this new launch a pivotal moment for the plant.
This new Chevy Optra sedan shares its design and development roots with the Chevy Aveo, first introduced in Mexico, and the Chevy Sail, sold in some South American markets. These models are the brainchildren of the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture in China, from which the assembly kits are sourced for the Egyptian production line.
According to a report by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), Africa’s automobile market is projected to grow significantly, with a forecasted increase in vehicle ownership from 44 vehicles per 1,000 people in 2020 to around 85 by 2030. GM’s strategic move to produce in Egypt aligns with these projections and positions the Chevy Optra as a key player in the region’s automotive market.
Industry expert Ahmed Zaki, an automotive analyst at the Middle East Automobile Association, commented on the significance of this development: “This production move not only enhances Egypt’s role in the regional automotive industry but also boosts local employment and skills development, vital for economic growth.”
The 2025 Chevy Optra is set to hit Egyptian showrooms in the coming weeks, marking GM’s first vehicle launch of the new calendar year. Furthermore, the model will soon be exported to other North African markets, strengthening GM’s brand presence and engagement in the region.
