By ; Mohamed Shawky 

Alongside its long-standing local partner Nile Projects & Trading, Bridgestone signed an agreement with AL Nasr Automotive Manufacturing company to fulfill the test phase of new electric vehicles in Egypt. The trial operation plan will cover Cairo and Alexandria and includes a maximum of 13 electric vehicles to be tested annually with a range of 30,000 kilometres for public test drive. The partnership will enable Bridgestone to provide its tyres and Nile Projects & Trading subsidiary Fit and Fix Network to support the success of the trial test phase by ensuring the durability of the electric vehicles and provide excellent service quality. It further aims to revive the national pride brand of Nasr and boost the Egyptian government in making Egypt a hub for electric vehicles in North Africa and to encourage more travelers to embark on safe road trips. Fit and Fix network, an Egypt-based auto service company owned by Nile Projects, will provide a wide array of professional car services for the EVs which will be accessible through its over more than 40 outlets to ensure safe and comfortable drives. This partnership is in line with Bridgestone tyre’s initiative to lead the industry towards sustainability by reducing fuel consumptions and minimizing carbon emissions. Stefano Sanchini, Regional Managing Director, Bridgestone MEA, said: “We are excited to be working in this project with our partners Nile Projects & Trading and AL Nasr. This is a step we are taking to support safe and secure mobility while contributing the realization of a carbon neutral society. The introduction of our electric vehicles is a part of our commitment to develop mobility solutions and innovations that are safe and sustainable.” Hani EL Kholy, Managing Director, AL Nasr said: “We have been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in line with the government’s vision of transitioning to this mobile innovation. The partnership with global tyre manufacturer and mobility solutions provider Bridgestone aligns with Presidency directives to localize the manufacture of vehicles used for clean energy.” Bridgestone is progressing into a sustainable solutions company in providing social and customer value towards the implementation of its Sustainability Business Framework Building upon its mission of ‘Serving Society with Super Quality’, Bridgestone’s midterm business plans include sourcing more than 50 per cent of its power from renewable energy by 2023.