Marathon Motor Engineering (MME) | Official Hyundai Distributor in Ethiopia
Marathon Motor Engineering PLC (MME) is a leading Ethiopian automotive company, widely recognized as the official and sole importer, distributor, and assembler of Hyundai vehicles in Ethiopia. Since its inception, the company has transformed from a small-scale importer into a regional pioneer in vehicle assembly and sustainable mobility.
Company Background & History
Marathon Motor Engineering was founded in 2008 and officially inaugurated in February 2009. It began as a joint venture between the world-renowned Ethiopian long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie and the South Korean automotive giant Hyundai Motor Company.
The company’s early years were focused on establishing the Hyundai brand in a market traditionally dominated by single-brand used car imports and brokers. By 2013, following consistent performance and growth in market share, Hyundai granted MME a formal distributorship agreement. Today, the company is led by Founding CEO and Managing Director Melkamu Assefa and operates with a vision to be a “Trend Setter Automotive Company in the Region”.
Key Products
MME’s product portfolio spans passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and specialized agricultural machinery:
- Passenger Vehicles: MME distributes a full range of Hyundai models, including the Atos, Elantra, Azera, Creta, and the premium Palisade SUV.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): A major milestone for the company was the July 2020 launch of locally assembled electric vehicles, specifically the Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Kona EV.
- Commercial Vehicles: They provide heavy-duty solutions such as the H1 van, HD72 trucks, and Mighty EX8 cargo trucks.
- Agricultural Equipment: Since 2016, MME has been the exclusive agent for Italian SAME Tractors, importing models like the Explorer3 115, Especial Explorer 95, and Laser 130 to support Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.
Core Services
MME operates under a “3S” service model—Sales, Spare parts, and Service—designed to provide a lifetime partnership for vehicle owners.
- Local Assembly: In February 2019, MME inaugurated a half-billion-Birr assembly plant in Addis Ababa. The facility has a total area of 30,000m² and can assemble up to 10,000 units annually at full capacity across eight different models.
- After-Sales & Maintenance: The company maintains multiple state-of-the-art workshops equipped with factory-trained technicians. Services include regular maintenance, bodywork, paint, and roadside assistance.
- Spare Parts: MME is the sole authorized distributor of genuine Hyundai parts and Hyundai MOBIS supplies in the country.
- Training Center: The company hosts a dedicated technical training facility to ensure local staff meet international Hyundai standards.
Contact Information
- Headquarters (Saris): Saris Abo, Nifas Silk-Lafto District, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Main Phone Numbers:
- Sales: +251 114 709 730 / +251 966 801 172.
- Saris Service: +251 114 707 246.
- Megenagna/Lamberet: +251 116 631 005.
- Hawassa Branch: +251 462 127 270.
- Email: info@marathonmotorengineering.com or admin@marathoncars.com.
- Official Website: marathonmotorengineering.com
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