South African automaker Mureza has recently updated its website and social media platforms in October with exciting news regarding the launch of a new sedan in 2024. This sedan will be made available in both electric vehicle (EV) and petrol versions.
As per the company’s current projections, the petrol model is expected to retail for R196,000, while the electric variant will be priced slightly higher at R225,000. This pricing strategy positions the electric version as the most cost-effective battery-powered car in the country, surpassing the current record-holder, the GWM Ora, by nearly R500,000.
Mureza, founded in 2016, operates with six different vehicle designs and maintains a workforce of 62 employees spread across its operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Namibia, Niger, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
While Mureza originally planned to launch its inaugural vehicle, the Prim8 hatchback, in 2021 with a starting price of R196,000, it acknowledged that it has not yet made any sales in the country. In a recent statement, the company clarified that it has not officially introduced any vehicle products to the market but has a stockpile of 6,000 units in collaboration with the Iranian SAIPA Motor Corporation, which are being prepared for the African market. Information about the models and how to purchase them will be disclosed through the company’s official channels at a later date.
Mureza aspires to establish itself as Africa’s leading automotive brand and has plans to establish micro-factories in Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These facilities will not only produce vehicles but also manufacture batteries and components. Currently, manufacturing operations are conducted in partnership with technical allies like SAIPA.
Additionally, Mureza intends to provide electric alternatives for all its internal combustion models and set up a network of charging stations across Southern Africa, along with battery-swapping programs for its forthcoming EVs.
The 2024 Prim8 Sedan is described as an intelligent and stylish vehicle that combines aesthetics and performance. As promised, it will offer a choice of two drivetrains: one powered by petrol and the other by electricity.
Specific details about the electric Prim8’s powertrain are yet to be disclosed, but a few key specifications have been released, including a 400km driving range, a top speed of 180km/h, and a two-hour charging time for the lithium-ion battery. The electric four-door sedan is expected to weigh around 1,350kg, suggesting it will have a compact footprint compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles, which tend to be heavier due to their substantial battery packs.
The petrol model, on the other hand, will feature a 1.5-liter engine that can be coupled with either an automatic or manual transmission. It boasts a top speed of 200km/h and has a combined fuel consumption rate of 7.0l/100km. This version will be slightly lighter, weighing in at 1,150kg.
Mureza has announced that pre-orders for the Prim8 will be available soon, with deliveries set to commence in 2024.
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