Renault dealer now enters second hand car market

Africa Auto News

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April 21, 2022

Renault dealer now enters second hand car market

Caetano Kenya, the local franchise holder of Hyundai and Renault cars, has entered the used vehicles market where it is selling a wide range of brands including Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Jeep. The formal dealer joins CFAO Group –the owner of the Toyota franchise in Kenya, which was the first to start selling used cars through its subsidiary Automark.

The moves mark the new vehicle dealers’ quest for a piece of the secondhand car market which is bigger compared to showroom sales. The formal dealers say they are bringing higher quality and customer service standards to the used car business that has been dominated by individuals and roadside yards operated by small business owners.

“Caetano has announced their official entry into the used car market with Carplus, their pre-owned car dealership,” the company said in a statement.

“There tends to be a few uncertainties associated with used cars. Therefore, a buyer may want to learn as much as possible before signing on the dotted line. Carplus personnel feels confident that buyers will find the answers they are looking for at their dealership.”

Aptiv Automotive to shift its Ukraine Production to Morocco

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April 12, 2022

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Aptiv Automotive to shift its Ukraine Production to Morocco

Irish automotive company Aptiv could move more production to Morocco after pulling out of Ukraine because of the Moscow-Kyiv ongoing crisis. “Aptiv, based in Dublin, is trying to shift production to Poland, Romania, Serbia and possibly Morocco,” Fortune journal reported on April 3.

Aptiv’s Chief Financial Officer Joseph Massaro noted that this process will take up to six weeks, which will leave some car manufacturers short of supplies during that time. The move comes because of the current crisis in Ukraine. Massaro said that the country “is not open for any type of normal commercial activity.”

Aptiv CEO Kevin Clark said shortly after the war started that “over the course of the last couple of months, we actually moved a couple of what I call high runner programs out of Ukraine. Aptiv is a global automotive supplier that is based in Dublin, Ireland.

Aptiv designs and manufactures vehicle components, as well as providing electrical, electronic, and active safety technology solutions to the global automotive and commercial vehicle markets.

The automotive supplier had already started constructionon a factory in Oujda in January 2022 that is estimated to bring 3,500 jobs to Morocco’s eastern region. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the automotive sector yielded MAD 83.8 billion ($8.56 billion) from the total value of final products and services exported outside of Morocco in 2021.

Morocco’s automotive industry is the biggest exporter in the country. The sector helped make Morocco the first automotive manufacturer on the African continent in 2018, when it grossed $7 billion (MAD 65.1 billion) in exports, and surpassed South Africa.

Additionally, Morocco’s automotive industry createdover 200,000 jobs and sold over 160,000 units in 2021. The Association of Car Importers in Morocco reported that care sales in Morocco in March 2022 decreased by 6.26%, compared to March 2021.

Eaton Names Marco Martini President, Vehicle Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa

Africa Auto News

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April 12, 2022

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Eaton Names Marco Martini President, Vehicle Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa

Power management company Eaton has announced Marco Martini as president, Vehicle Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Martini will be responsible for leading all business growth and operational activities in the EMEA region. He will continue to be located in Torino, Italy.

“Marco’s diverse background and broad leadership experience make him an excellent fit to lead the Vehicle Group in EMEA,” said João Faria, president, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “We believe Marco’s strong financial and operational proficiency will help our business thrive in the region.”

Martini joined Eaton as a manufacturing controller and was promoted to director, Finance, Vehicle Group, EMEA. Most recently, he served as director, Operations, Vehicle Group, EMEA. Prior to joining Eaton, he worked in the appliance industry for 15 years in various finance roles in Italy, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Russia.

Martini holds a degree in business and administration from the Marche Polytechnics University in Ancona, Italy.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and all of society.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has been listed on the NYSE for nearly a century. We reported revenues of $19.6 billion in 2021 and serve customers in more than 170 countries.

Renault launches Kiger, fuel efficient SUV for Kenyans

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April 11, 2022

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Renault launches Kiger, fuel efficient SUV for Kenyans

Renault has launched a new sport utility vehicle (SUV) specifically for the Kenyan market. Dubbed Kiger, the new five sitter SUV strengthens Renault’s offering that already includes Kwid, Duster, Koleos, Kangoo and Triber in Kenya.

It is fitted with a three-cylinder turbocharged one-liter petrol engine, with a power output of 100 Ps and a torque of 160 Nm. The SUV’s engine has been tested for reliability and longevity and offers the latest technological innovations already featured on the Clio and the Captur in Europe.

It boasts the best fuel economy of its category with five-liter/100KM (20 KM/litre) consumption. Speaking during the launch in Nairobi on Saturday, Renault MD Pedro Campos said Kiger is all about creative and practical innovation inside its smart cabin combined with practicality.

“Following Duster, Kwid and Triber, we are now introducing a new modern SUV, the Renault Kiger, that is a perfect fit for the Kenyan market.

He added that its long wheelbase promises great habitability for Kenyan roads. The Kiger SUV combines urban modernity with agility, whichever road it takes. It has muscular bodywork that exudes sturdiness and dynamism, to escape the urban jungle and experience a new kind of driving.

The design was inspired by the Kiger show car that was unveiled at the end of 2020. A sculpted bonnet that enhances the car’s personality sits at the front above an impressive bumper. The wings boost the design with their pronounced shoulder lines, while the black sills and wheel arches provide further protection.

The high ground clearance (205 mm) and functional roof bars heighten the vehicle’s silhouette and complete its bold SUV look. The vehicle’s interior is called a “smart cabin” as it combines technology, functionality and roominess.

Kiger is just under four meters long and falls into the compact SUV category. Thanks to the CMFA+ platform DNA, just like Triber, it offers segment-leading roominess, cabin storage and cargo space.

The interior has been designed to perfectly combine the sturdiness of an SUV with a focus on sophistication and technology. With a high centre console, eight inches (20.32 cm) floating touch screen with wireless smartphone replication, Kiger interior has been specially designed to encourage sharing and convenience.

Furthermore, the vehicle boasts of a brand new, well-tuned quality sound system: the Auditorium 3D sound system by Arkamys, with a technology that diffuses 3D sound tailor-made to suit the materials and shape of the passenger compartment.

The system also automatically adjusts the sound volume according to the speed of the vehicle at higher trim levels. The system can be activated and adjusted on demand to ensure the best sound quality whatever the route.

With the modern hands-free card for everyday convenience, doors can be opened and closed automatically, and the engine started without a key. Sensors in the card allow drivers to lock and unlock the doors without having to take the card out of their pocket or press a button.

They can also start the vehicle without having to insert the card. The hands-free system also includes a door auto-lock function when drivers walk away from the vehicle. Although the French automaker remained tight-lipped on the cost of the new SUV, it is touted as one of affordable in the market.

CFAO Motors Kenya kicks off construction of a Sh500M Showroom in Kisumu

Africa Auto News

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April 11, 2022

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CFAO Motors Kenya kicks off construction of a Sh500M Showroom in Kisumu

CFAO Motors Kenya, formerly Toyota Kenya, has kicked start the construction of a multi-brand showroom in Kisumu County in a bid to expand its operation base in the Lake Region. The Japanese automobile manufacturer company will invest Sh500 million in the construction of the Kisumu showroom.

Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, officiated the ground-breaking ceremony saying the project would provide a great economic boost for the County as well as offer employment opportunities for the locals.

Nyong’o hailed the company for its decision to expand its businesses in the Lakeside County, citing his administration’s commitment to re-organize and re-brand Kisumu into a business destination hub.

“By expanding your presence in Kisumu, your business will enjoy the advantage of a larger untapped market both in the Lake Region Economic Bloc and in the larger East and Central Africa region,” said the Governor.

The facility sits on 3,600 square meters of land in Nyamasaria estate and will be completed in 12 months.

Currently, the Company’s Kisumu branch has two showrooms and service workshops scattered in different locations on rented premises. CFAO Motors Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel, said the new facility would enhance the company’s support for its clientele in the region.

“This investment will enable us to consolidate our operations and offer our Lake region customers a great experience where they can access sale of vehicles, spare parts, and service all under one roof as opposed to now where our showroom and service workshops are in two different locations within the city,” Reel affirmed.

The showroom is designed to have service bays, engine overhaul bays, wash bays, a cafeteria, and plant offices. In addition, it will have sufficient parking space for customers and increased space to display the auto distributor’s expanded portfolio.

CFAO is an established player in the automotive industry and offers a wide range of personal and commercial vehicles as well as spare parts.

With its headquarters in Nairobi, it is the sole distributor and service provider of Toyota, Yamaha motorcycles, and Hino trucks and is an appointed distributor of the Suzuki brand. It has a network of 33 branches, dealerships, and authorized Toyota service centres across the country.

Reel also reported the company has introduced Automark in the Lake region to offer trade-in services where customers can bring in their used vehicles for new ones. The new showroom will utilize green energy by installing a solar plant expected to generate 45,000kWh per annum in an effort to curb climate change.

IVECO Partners with Enel X for E-Mobility Solution

Africa Auto News

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April 11, 2022

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IVECO Partners with Enel X for E-Mobility Solution

IVECO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Enel X, the Enel Group company dedicated to developing and selling innovative energy services. Enel X focuses on solutions for the electrification of consumptions and mobility. This partnership highlights the significance of their E-Mobility Solution for various sectors.

Under the terms of the non-binding MoU, IVECO and Enel X plan to explore a possible collaboration that will unlock the potential of e-mobility for commercial vehicles in Europe, focusing on light commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and buses. Their shared E-Mobility Solution is at the forefront of this initiative.

Also Read: IVECO BUS renews its partnership with SOTRA in the Ivory Coast, highlighting its commitment to sustainable mobility in Africa

The two companies will assess how IVECO electric trucks can support the transition of Enel’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles. They will also examine new joint opportunities in other transport segments. Their comprehensive E-Mobility Solution includes this assessment to help transform the transportation landscape.

The collaboration also aims to develop a joint offer addressing the e-mobility of commercial fleets. This covers, but does not limit itself to, installing recharging infrastructure for light and heavy commercial vehicles. This joint offer is integral to their overall E-Mobility Solution strategy.

Also Read: Italian truck maker opens showroom in Nairobi

IVECO and Enel X will leverage their R&D and technical expertise to evaluate the interoperability of the Enel X charging infrastructure with IVECO e-vehicles, and the potential joint development of advanced services (e.g., smart charging and V2G, Vehicle-to-Grid).

Tata Motors wins order to supply 1,300 commercial vehicles from VRL Logistics

Africa Auto News

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April 7, 2022

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Tata Motors wins order to supply 1,300 commercial vehicles from VRL Logistics

Tata Motors has confirmed an order for 1,300 commercial vehicles from VRL Logistics. The order comprises medium and heavy commercial vehicle and intermediate & light commercial vehicle range, suited for logistics operations of VRL Logistics, the Mumbai-based automaker said in a statement.

The vehicles were selected basis the superior drivability, high fuel efficiency and low total cost of ownership, which will enable VRL Logistics to increase its fleet efficiency, it added.

“We endeavour to engineer our vehicles to offer the lowest total cost of ownership and our widest service network will ensure best-in-the-industry service support in all corners of the country. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with VRL Logistics and will offer the best support for their seamless operations,”Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle Business Unit Vice President, Sales & Marketing Rajesh Kaul noted.

Tata Motors said its commercial vehicles are designed and engineered on the Power of 6′ philosophy, which delivers driveability, total cost of operations, comfort and convenience, and connectivity.

It also offers its flagship initiative, Sampoorna Seva, a bouquet of service offerings including repair time assurance, breakdown assistance, insurance and accidental repair time, extended warranty, and other add-on services for vehicle maintenance and upkeep.

The company has operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa, and Indonesia, supported by a global network of 103 subsidiaries, nine associate companies, four joint ventures and two joint operations as on March 31, 2021.

Its commercial and passenger vehicles are marketed in countries spread across Africa, the Middle East, South & South East Asia, Australia, South America, Russia and other CIS countries.

Innoson set to establish new plant in Imo, aims to produce 60,000 vehicles annually

Africa Auto News

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April 4, 2022

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Innoson set to establish new plant in Imo, aims to produce 60,000 vehicles annually

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), as part of its expansion drive, plans to establish new plant in Owerri, Imo. The establishment of Imo plant is part of Innoson’s mission to become a giant in vehicle production in Africa.

IVM’s current manual production plant has the capacity to produce about 10,000 vehicles annually. When it completes its migration to fully automated production plant, this will increase to about 60,000 annually. Presently, IVM is producing vehicles for 5 African countries, including Sierra Leone, Mali, Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Indigenous automobile manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Company, has announced plans to establish another manufacturing plant in Owerri, Imo State.

This was made known by the Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, on Friday during a facility tour of the plant in Anambra State which was attended by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) correspondents’ chapel in Anambra. Chukwuma said the establishment of the plant in Imo is part of efforts to actualise the company’s mission to become a giant in vehicle production in Africa.

“The Innoson factory expansion will be situated at Naze Owerri in Imo. We have already acquired about 150,000sqm land for this project and construction works are ongoing,”.

Also speaking, Cornel Osigwe, head of corporate communications, Innoson Group, expressed excitement over the endorsement of Innoson vehicles by Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra. Osigwe said the endorsement showed the durability and capacity of the made-in-Nigeria vehicle.

“Governor Soludo is the first governor to use Innoson vehicles as official vehicle and we are hopeful that such endorsement will increase patronage from other state governments, corporate organisations, and other well-meaning Nigerians,”

“Presently, IVM is producing vehicles for about five countries in Africa including Sierra Leone, Mali, Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire.’’

According to him, the company is currently migrating from manual production to becoming a fully automated production plant. He added that the manual production plant has the capacity to produce about 10,000 vehicles annually, but at the completion of the migration, production capacity will increase to about 60,000 annually.

President of Ghana officially opens Nissan’s brand new state-of-the art Navara assembly plant

Africa Auto News

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April 1, 2022

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The president of Ghana, HE Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, has officially opened the brand-new state-of-the art Nissan Navara assembly plant in Tema, outside Accra. The plant is the culmination of a journey that began in 2018 when Nissan became the first mover in the country to sign a memorandum of understanding with the government to work towards creating the Ghana Automotive Development Policy.

Nissan selected Japan Motors, one of its two long standing distributors in the country, as its licenced assembler in 2020.Work on the 5000 sq. m plant began shortly afterward and today, 17 months later, the plant was officially commissioned by the president as the first Navaras began rolling off the assembly lines. Nissan Africa Managing Director, Mike Whitfield, said it was an incredible joyous and emotional experience.

“Less than eight months ago, the Nissan plant in Rosslyn South Africa passed its final test to be given the green light to start manufacturing the all new ‘built of more’ Nissan Navara. Right at that time, a key group from this plant graduated in the same plant, having received extensive and intensive training on the assembling of these vehicles.

“Just over a month ago, this brand-new assembly plant passed its own final test – the very same one that the Rosslyn plant had to pass because in the world of Nissan there is only one standard – it is Nissan’s. I can tell you all, without any fear of contradiction, that this is the most modern, most state-of the art plant anywhere in West Africa.”

The plant, he said, was proof of the fantastic public private partnership between the government of Ghana, Japan Motors and Nissan Africa.

“The existence of this plant is tribute to the passion and commitment of Japan Motors investing US$ 9-million, which in itself would not have been possible without the security and certainty offered by the government of Ghana’s progressive automotive industry development policy which was signed into law in record time.

“Ghana today stands as a benchmark for the African automotive industry, an example of what can be done when there is a will and a vision.”

Japan Motors MD, Salem Kalmoni, whose grandfather began what would become Japan Motors 100 years ago, said the US $9-million investment was proof of his family’s commitment to the country and the government, creating jobs and opportunities in the country.

“To borrow from the Minister of Trade and Industry Alan Kyerematen; we have indeed ‘put our skin into it’.”

Kalmoni said he hoped that the government would now fully implement the Ghana Automotive Development Policy, after having identified vehicle assembly and automotive component manufacturing as a strategic anchor industry for its Ten Point Plan for Ghana’s industrial development.

Whitfield paid tribute too to Nissan’s other distributor in Ghana, APL Nissan.

“I am grateful too today for our continued friendship and association with Subhi Accad and his company APL Nissan Ghana, who together with Japan Motors are Nissan’s two sole distributors in Ghana. I have no doubt that together these two companies will put Nissan right back up as the top selling automotive brand in Ghana once more.”

Peugeot and Silver Star Auto assembly production kicks off in Ghana

Africa Auto News

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April 1, 2022

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Peugeot and Silver Star Auto assembly production kicks off in Ghana

The Silver Star Auto assembly plant inaugurated on March 25^th in Tema, Ghana, produces in SKD the Peugeot 3008 from now onwards and will produce sooner the all-new LCV 1-ton pickup Peugeot LANDTREK. Silver Star Auto is the exclusive commercial partner of PEUGEOT and Citroën Brands in Ghana, to import and distribute their models. This new industrial partnership between Peugeot and Silver Star Auto contributes to the internationalization of Peugeot and enhances its image and presence in Africa.

The start of production of the Peugeot 3008, the globally acclaimed SUV, at the Silver Star Auto assembly plant, inaugurated on March 25^th, marks a new milestone in the partnership of Peugeot with Silver Star Auto in Ghana. The all-new assembly plant homes in dedicated zones the production lines of Peugeot models. Its initial production capacity in SKD (Semi-Knock Down) amounts to 4,500 cars annually. The factory located in Tema (Accra area), Ghana is owned by Kalmoni Family.

After a commercial partnership that started in 2019, Silver Star Auto imports and distributes a diverse range of Peugeot models that respond to various mobility needs: the SUV 2008, 3008, 5008, the sedan 301 and 508 and the LCV Pick-Up (800 kg segment, assembled in Tunisia). Each model embodies the Peugeot values: Allure, Emotion and Excellence, which represent sharp design, intuitive driving pleasure and uncompromising quality.

With over 25 years of experience, Silver Star Auto has a strong heritage and presence in the Ghanaian automotive market with nationwide service outlets that meet the sales and after-sales needs of Peugeot clients.

Linda JACKSON, CEO of Peugeot: “We are thrilled with the evolution of our partnership with Silver Star Auto. The production of the Peugeot 3008, and soon of the LANDTREK Pickup, in their assembly plant will support employment and localization in Ghana. This partnership contributes to the internationalization of Peugeot, which is one of my priorities for the coming years”.

Samir CHERFAN, Chief Operating Officer, Stellantis Middle East and Africa, said: “We are delighted to announce a new milestone with Silver Star Auto as we enter in a new phase in our partnership that will contribute to the growth of the automotive industry in Ghana. We see tremendous potential and opportunity for our brands in the country, and are looking forward to serving customers with the most suitable mobility solutions”.

Mr. Asad NAZIR, CEO of Silver Star Auto, said: “We are proud to start assembling Peugeot vehicles in GHANA in our Silver Star Auto plant. The Peugeot brand has a very high quality offering, with vehicles that are efficient, affordable, and are built with enhanced safety features. We are committed at Silver Star Auto to deliver vehicles that meet the expectations of today’s knowledgeable, demanding and discerning customers.”

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