Give us 3-4 months to prepare for natgas transition, auto firms tell Trade Ministry: Toyota, Al Amal, and Modern Motors are among a group of auto firms that have requested that the Trade Ministry give them 3-4 months to prepare for the government’s dual-fuel engine transition plan, said Al Amal CEO and Automobile Manufacturers Association board member Amr Soliman, according to Al Mal. The firms told ministry representatives in a meeting that they require more time to prepare technical know-how for the initiative and finalize supply agreements for imported car parts needed to outfit cars with dual-fuel engines. Al Amal is currently in talks with Chinese auto firm King Long for a supply agreement that would see the company provide the necessary components, Soliman said.

Take a deep dive into the story with our three-part series in Hardhat on what it will take to convert or replace the nation’s fleet of cars with dual-fuel vehicles: part 1, part 2 and part 3.

Background: The Sisi administration earlier this year announced a multi-year plan to convert or replace 1.8 mn cars to run on both gasoline and natural gas. Owners of vehicles over 20 years old will receive low-interest loans through the MSME Development Agency to purchase new dual-fuel vehicles, while those with younger vehicles will be able to access zero-interest finance to outfit them with new engines. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that car licenses will be conditioned on citizens complying with the program and converting their vehicles.