Tunisia Strengthens its Position in the Automotive Industry
Tunisia has reinforced its position in the automotive industry with the inauguration, on December 12, of the research and innovation center of the American company Visteon, specializing in software, electronic, and mechanical engineering. This project marks a key step in the country's transition from simple component manufacturing to the design of high-value-added technological solutions.
According to the Ministry of Industry, this center represents a strategic advance for the Tunisian industrial ecosystem, strengthening investment in knowledge, innovation, and high-potential sectors, particularly the automotive component sector. It will enable Visteon to develop models, intelligent systems, and innovative solutions in Tunisia, intended for both the local market and the group's international activities.
In terms of employment, the project is already showing concrete results. 200 engineers have been recently recruited, and Visteon's workforce in Tunisia is expected to increase from 560 current jobs to 900 jobs by 2028, with a management rate of around 40%. This dynamic confirms the attractiveness of Tunisian skills in advanced engineering professions.
Present in Tunisia since 2005, Visteon operates in the development of technologies for the global automotive industry. The group specializes in the design and manufacture of intelligent electronic systems, air conditioning, and automotive lighting for major international brands. Globally, Visteon has 14 factories and 18 research and development centers, employing over 10,000 people.
The Ministry of Industry recalled, on this occasion, the efforts made to make Tunisia a global reference in the manufacture of automotive components, particularly through the diversification of export markets and the valorization of national skills. This strategy is part of the pact signed in 2022, aiming to strengthen the sector's competitiveness by 2027.
Today, the automotive component sector in Tunisia includes over 300 companies, 80% of which are totally export-oriented. In 2024, the sector's exports reached $3 billion, generating around 120,000 jobs, confirming its key role in the national economy.
