Le Maroc, le flicage des autorités algériennes et l’incroyable affaire du patron de FIAT Algérie

Summary

The script discusses the crisis at Fiat Algeria, where the general director, Hakim Bahara, has mysteriously disappeared since April, leaving the company's operations and reputation in disarray. The factory in Oran is not functioning properly, leading to numerous complaints and legal actions from customers whose cars were not delivered on time. Fiat's absence from key events and meetings with Algerian authorities has intensified concerns. Bahara's frequent trips to Morocco, despite tensions between the two countries, have reportedly upset Algerian officials, leading to his sudden departure from the country. The situation reflects broader issues with Algeria's business environment and its impact on foreign investment.

Takeaways

• 😨 The General Director of Fiat Algeria, Hakim Bahara, has mysteriously disappeared since the beginning of May, causing uncertainty and speculation.
• 🚗 Fiat Algeria is facing a crisis with its factory in Oran not operating as it should, leading to customer complaints and legal actions due to unfulfilled orders and delayed deliveries.
• 🛠️ The Algerian government has exclusive rights to the automotive market since December 2023, with Fiat being the only brand allowed to operate, excluding competitors like Renault, Hyundai, and Volkswagen.
• 🏭 The Fiat factory was launched with high expectations, promising to produce thousands of vehicles and transfer technology, but it's now at the center of a storm not covered by Algerian media.
• 📉 Fiat Algeria's problems have been exacerbated by the absence of its General Director, Hakim Bahara, who was expected to be the main liaison with Algerian authorities for the development of Stellantis group activities.
• 🤔 There's been a significant increase in car theft in Algeria since 2019, with the government restricting imports and assembly of new vehicles, which Fiat was supposed to satisfy with its local production.
• 🛫 Hakim Bahara's frequent travels to Morocco have raised concerns among Algerian security services, leading to pressures and demands for him to cease these travels.
• 🤝 Despite working for an international company, the Algerian authorities seem to exert control over Bahara's private agenda, including his travels to Morocco for business.
• 😠 Bahara reportedly disagreed with the Algerian authorities' interference in his professional life, which might have led to his departure from Algeria.
• 📚 Hakim Bahara has an impressive professional background with an MBA from the University of Quebec in Montreal and experience from the London Business School.
• 💼 His career includes working for Renault in Algeria and later in various international roles, including as General Director for Renault Middle East, overseeing 13 countries.

Q & A

What is the current situation with Fiat in Algeria?

Fiat in Algeria is facing a crisis. The Oran plant is not operating as it should, and there have been numerous complaints from customers who have not received their vehicles within the promised timeframes. The company has been refunding customers because vehicles cannot be delivered.

Why did Hakim Bahara, the general director of Fiat Algeria, disappear?

Hakim Bahara disappeared due to a dispute with Algerian authorities. He was pressured to stop traveling to Morocco and was asked to leave for Morocco, which he apparently did not accept well and led to his departure from Algeria.

What was the reason behind Hakim Bahara's frequent travels to Morocco?

Hakim Bahara, who has worked in the automotive sector since the early 2000s and has interests in Morocco, was traveling there for business purposes. He has also worked on the Moroccan market and has French nationality.

How has the Algerian government's actions affected the automotive industry?

The Algerian government's actions have complicated the operations of automotive companies. Importations and local production are extremely complicated, and the government's failure to respect its announcements and commitments has led to a challenging environment for both foreign investors and local producers.

What were the ambitions of the Fiat group when they started their operations in Algeria?

Fiat had grand ambitions when they started operations in Algeria, with plans to manufacture thousands of vehicles and transfer technologies. They aimed to start a significant industrial adventure, with the Oran plant being just the beginning.

What is the impact of the current crisis on Fiat customers in Algeria?

The crisis has led to a significant number of customers being refunded because their vehicles could not be delivered. Many have filed complaints and initiated legal proceedings against Fiat due to the non-honoring of delivery deadlines.

Who is currently managing Fiat's operations in Algeria in the absence of Hakim Bahara?

In the absence of Hakim Bahara, Samir Cherfan, who is responsible for Fiat for the entire MENA region (Middle East and Africa), is currently managing operations on the ground and meeting with Algerian authorities.

What was the reaction of the Algerian authorities to Hakim Bahara's travels to Morocco?

The Algerian security services noticed Hakim Bahara's frequent travels to Morocco and expressed their concerns. They sent emissaries to warn him and ask him to cease his relations with Morocco, which he reportedly did not accept.

What does the situation at Fiat Algeria say about the business environment in Algeria?

The situation at Fiat Algeria highlights the challenges and complexities of doing business in Algeria. It shows that the country can be closed off, with authorities even interfering in the private affairs and travel plans of foreign company managers.

What are the implications of the Fiat Algeria crisis for other foreign investors considering Algeria?

The crisis at Fiat Algeria sends a negative signal to other foreign investors, suggesting that they may face similar interference and complications if they have interests or need to travel to neighboring countries like Morocco.

How has the Algerian government's stance on imports and local production affected other automotive companies?

The Algerian government's stance has led to the departure of other automotive companies like Hyundai and Volkswagen. Renault Algeria has also closed, leaving Fiat as the primary company to satisfy the national demand for vehicles.