Mobius Motors, Kenya’s sole indigenous carmaker, intends to speed up manufacturing of its second generation model with an eye on the regional market, which includes Uganda and Tanzania.
The carmaker, which pioneered manufacturing of a stripped-down vehicle model for African roads in 2014, is banking on the Model II, which costs Sh1.5 million, to spur regional development.
The first-generation automobile is no longer available. Only 50 units were built as a proof of concept, and they travelled over 1.6 million kilometres on Kenyan highways.
Mobius also released the Model III late last year, a bigger but more expensive sports utility vehicle priced at Sh3.9 million.
“Production of this car (Mobius II) is ramping up throughout 2022,” the company confirmed via email.
“Of course, new plans are in the works, influenced by the reception of the latest models. However, we will address them when the time comes. These involve expanding into other nations in the area as well,” the company added, without providing any details.
A dramatic increase in the pricing of imported used automobiles is shifting the market toward domestically built cars, local resale, and trade-ins, allowing manufacturers like Mobius to expand sales.
Mobius cars include a high amount of local content, which adds value to the extended supply chain.
“Mobius 3 starts at Sh3.95 million excluding VAT. The pricing is really competitive for a huge SUV with zero mileage and a full 3 years/60,000km warranty, especially when compared to an identical second hand used foreign car,” Mobius added.
As a growth plan, the company stated that it will continue to upgrade its SUV models rather than branch out into other automobile lines.
“Product development is an essential component of the Mobius approach. We do have strategies in place to improve the product offering on an ongoing basis. We plan to stay relevant by providing our consumers with outstanding value for money without sacrificing quality,” the company stated.
The company was formed in 2009 by British entrepreneur Joel Jackson, who identified a market for the Mobius while working in rural Kenya.
