General Motors Egypt has welcomed the Egyptian government’s decision to adopt the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), describing the move as a significant milestone for Egypt’s automotive industry.
The company said the decision will broaden consumer choice, strengthen market competitiveness, and reinforce Egypt’s appeal as a destination for foreign investment in the automotive sector.
The announcement was made during a visit by senior Egyptian government officials to General Motors Egypt’s manufacturing facility in 6th of October City, where the adoption of the new standards was officially confirmed.
The updated regulations are expected to facilitate the import of American-built vehicles and components, increasing competition while helping to reduce costs for Egyptian consumers.
Rohan Fernandez, Chairman and Incoming Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Egypt and Africa, said: “General Motors Egypt welcomes the agreement reached with the Egyptian government to adopt the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
This marks an important milestone for Egypt’s automotive sector and represents a positive step towards a more open and transparent market for vehicles and automotive parts manufactured in the United States.
It also reflects General Motors’ commitment, spanning more than 100 years in the Middle East and Africa – a journey that began in Egypt – to supporting the growth and development of the automotive industry.”
Fernandez hosted the announcement ceremony in the presence of Stephen Heyns, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis; Robert Silverman, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Egypt; Eng Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry; and Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.
The announcement followed a tour of the company’s manufacturing operations at the plant.
Fernandez added:“For General Motors Egypt, this step provides a more efficient and transparent regulatory framework for accessing the Egyptian market.
It has already supported the return of the Cadillac brand to Egypt in May this year.
It also demonstrates how regulatory progress can translate into tangible economic and commercial outcomes by expanding consumer choice, promoting fair competition among global manufacturers, and strengthening Egypt’s position as a strategic and promising automotive market.”
Commenting on the announcement, Stephen Heyns, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce, said:“I am delighted that Egypt has established a clear pathway for significantly increasing exports of American vehicles and automotive parts to the Egyptian market, building on US vehicle exports valued at more than US$256 million last year.
These changes will provide Egyptian consumers with greater access to safe, reliable and high-quality American vehicles and parts, while creating new economic opportunities for both our countries.”
He added that adopting the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards represents another important step towards strengthening economic and trade co-operation between Egypt and the United States while supporting the continued growth of Egypt’s automotive sector.
