Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a renewed effort to re-establish Egypt’s industrial legacy and advance its manufacturing capabilities to global standards, Minister of Public Enterprise Sector Eng. Mohamed Shimi conducted an extensive field visit to Nasr Automotive Company, a subsidiary of the Metallurgical Industries Holding Company, located in Wadi Hof, Helwan. The visit marks a significant milestone in the revival of the Nasr brand, once a symbol of Egyptian automotive engineering, as part of the government’s broader strategy to localize modern vehicle manufacturing and promote sustainable, green industry.
During his tour, Minister Shimi inspected the newly modernized bus manufacturing plant, which has entered a fresh phase of development and production. He reviewed the workflow across various sections, the operation of recently installed machinery, and the latest product lines, notably the “Nasr Sky” tourist bus. This model represents the company’s first return to production since the last quarter of 2024, ending a 15-year hiatus.
The plant currently boasts an annual production capacity of 300 buses, with plans to increase output in the coming period. The Nasr Sky also features a 63 percent local content rate, an achievement hailed as a key step toward strengthening domestic supply chains.
The minister also inspected the production stages of the “Nasr Star” minibus, another recent addition to the company’s portfolio. Designed to produce up to 500 units annually, the model incorporates more than 70 percent locally manufactured components. Shimi expressed his satisfaction with the quality of workmanship and the dedication of the company’s employees, emphasizing that such progress reflects the ability of Egyptian technical talent to compete effectively in both local and regional markets.
A major highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a prototype for Nasr’s upcoming electric bus, signaling the start of a new era in Egypt’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. The minister stressed that transitioning toward electric mobility is a central pillar of the state’s green industrial strategy and its efforts to develop sustainable public transport systems. The introduction of locally produced electric buses and minibuses is expected to contribute significantly to Egypt’s environmental goals while reducing dependence on imported vehicles.
The tour also included a visit to Nasr’s passenger car factory, which has undergone a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. The facility has been equipped with state-of-the-art assembly, painting, and finishing lines, as well as an upgraded aluminum production line aligned with the latest international manufacturing standards. Minister Shimi witnessed operational trials of the production lines and inspected sample vehicles produced for both Nasr and several international automotive brands.
Accompanying the minister were Eng. Mohamed El-Saadawy, Executive Managing Director of the Metallurgical Industries Holding Company; Dr. Khaled Shadid, Executive Managing Director of Nasr Automotive Company; along with senior officials from the Ministry and the holding company.
In his remarks, Minister Shimi underscored that reviving Nasr Automotive and its historic brand is part of a comprehensive national vision to localize advanced vehicle technologies in Egypt. He described Nasr as one of the country’s most significant industrial pillars, combining a proud heritage with newly upgraded facilities that meet the latest international benchmarks for quality, performance, and safety.
The minister added that the ministry’s strategy focuses on deepening local manufacturing, increasing the proportion of domestic components, and integrating modern production technologies to maximize value creation within the national economy. These efforts, he noted, not only help reduce imports but also generate sustainable employment opportunities for Egyptian engineers and technicians.
Shimi further emphasized that the modernization process adheres to the highest global standards of quality, operational efficiency, and occupational safety, alongside strong environmental protection measures. Such principles, he said, align with Egypt’s commitment to green industrialization and its transition toward a sustainable economic model.
Concluding his visit, the minister expressed appreciation to the management and workers of Nasr Automotive for their dedication and professionalism in restoring the company’s productive spirit. He affirmed that the factory’s revival represents more than an industrial achievement, it embodies Egypt’s determination to rebuild its manufacturing heritage and assert the value of the “Made in Egypt” label as a mark of excellence and innovation in the regional and global automotive industry.
