African car company Mureza to debut Prim8 mini-SUV at Automechanika Johannesburg

African car brand Mureza is set to make its debut this week at Automechanika Johannesburg.

The Southern African brand, which shares a partnership with the Iranian SAIPA Group and is funded by individuals in the United Arab Emirates, seeks to “design and manufacture vehicles in Africa for African drivers”.

Muzera cars will first be assembled in South Africa, before going on to plants in Zimbabwe and Botswana.

The first product to debut will be the Prim8 (pronounced “primate”), an 87 kW 1.5-litre petrol engine car.

Expected to sell for between R180 000 and R200 000, the Prim8 will feature satellite navigation, reversing cameras and parking sensors, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, and ABS brakes.

It will include a seven-inch touchscreen, four airbags and Bluetooth connectivity as well. Air conditioning, a “power-adjustable driver’s seat”, an audio system and key-less entry completes the specs sheet.

The company also intends to sell its cars through preowned dealerships, or “independent servicing outlets in the various SADEC countries” to reduce the cost of physical expansion.

“Mureza Auto Company has an ambitious product plan which starts with adding a half-ton pick-up, a sedan and high-riding mini-SUV off the Prim8’s X100 platform,” the company noted in a press release.

“There is even a battery-electric platform for the X200 platform under development in South Africa by Energy Doctors.”

A prototype of the Prim8 will be on display at Automechanika Johannesburg at Nasrec from 18-21 September.

Feature image: Mureza