The year 2008 was the beginning of a series of tough years across the globe; it was the commencement of the global financial crisis that led to the economic recession and ultimately created the social crisis that changed the lives of millions in several countries. Major institutions that have been successful in business for years, even decades, have started losing revenue, and downsizing, and many of them even closed down. Transactions slowed down, businesses shrank, economies crumbled, and families struggled to survive.

Opening a new company, particularly an auto business, seemed to be an extremely unrealistic move destined to fail. Despite rough days and frustrating endeavors, however, minds were collaborating and mobilizing resources for a shared vision.

Defying all odds, the founders of the newest Automotive Company in Ethiopia were determined to realize their dreams. Haile's courageous character and winning spirit together with Melkamu's audacious personality and intelligence on global automotive business backed by advice and assistance from the other founders,  laid the foundation to star t up Marathon Motor Engineering with one fax machine and a desktop computer in a very small office/ room.