First Automobile Works provides $2.3 million supplier credit for acquisition of 50 buses

In late 2004, First Automobile Works (FAW) provided a $2.3 million supplier credit to Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) — parastatal company in Zimbabwe that operates for urban and long-distance bus routes — for the purchase of 50 buses to supplement the public transport system in Harare (See: New Zupco buses grounded and IDEOLOGY, DESPERATION FUEL GOZ,S TIES TO CHINA). Then, in March 2005, Zupco actually purchased the 50 buses from China (See: Zimbabwe purchases buses from China). In total, 400 buses were to be purchased, with 100 kits to refurbish old buses and 250 additional buses to be purchased at a later date (See: Zimbabwe purchases buses from China and The China Monitor). However, FAW produces the buses without adequately accounting for local transportation conditions in Zimbabwe. By 2006, the entire fleet had stopped working and the further bus purchases were suspended (See: China's empire-builders sweep up African riches).

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