Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), a Chinese automotive manufacturer, has Kenyan Auto Market by officially launching its Vigus line of vehicles in Kenya through its distributor, Caetano Kenya. The launch event, held in Nairobi, introduced the Vigus single cab, double cab, and light commercial truck to the Kenyan market.
Quality and Affordability
Caetano Kenya’s Managing Director, Aurelien Glay, highlighted the vehicles’ design focus on reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness—key attributes targeting Kenya’s burgeoning demand for quality commercial vehicles. He emphasized that the vehicles will be assembled locally from completely knocked-down (CKD) kits imported from China, underscoring JMC’s commitment to both affordability for Kenyan consumers and the growth of Kenyan auto market.
Sylvia Agani, Caetano Kenya’s Commercial and Marketing Director, expressed confidence in the Vigus line’s potential success, projecting sales of at least 100 units by 2025. This optimistic forecast is based on the expansion of local industries and the established reputation of Chinese-made products in Kenya. Agani provided initial pricing: the single cab truck will retail for approximately 4.5 million Kenyan shillings (US$34,800), while the double cab will cost around US$38,500. The introduction of JMC’s Vigus line marks a significant development in Kenya’s automotive landscape. Agani’s confidence stems from two key factors: the observed expansion and growth of various local industries in Kenya, creating a higher demand for reliable commercial vehicles, and the already established positive reputation of Chinese-manufactured products within the country. Kenyan consumers, Agani suggests, view Chinese goods as offering a good balance of quality and affordability.
