{Photo courtesy of CFAO}
By Hilda Kavai
CFAO Motors, Kenya’s largest automotive distributor and service provider, launched the Toyota Fortuner, the country’s first locally assembled passenger SUV, and announced an additional Ksh120 million investment in the Fortuner assembly line at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) in Mombasa County.
H.E. President Dr. William Ruto commissioned the assembly line investment, which includes technology investments – assembly jigs and fixtures – as well as training and knowledge transfer, resulting in the creation of 100 direct and 500 indirect jobs.
Aside from direct employment creation, CFAO Motors Kenya will collaborate closely with local parts manufacturers to boost capacity and help them attain global standards through technology transfer and technical know-how.
CFAO Motors Kenya Chairman, Amb. Dennis Awori, stated at the commissioning event that the automotive firm expected excellent output levels from the assembly line due to the market’s increased demand for passenger SUVs. “We intend to assemble 350 vehicles in our first year, with plans for a gradual increase in line with the National Automotive Policy and rising market demand.”
The addition of the Fortuner assembly line adds to CFAO Motors Kenya’s locally assembled vehicles portfolio, especially after the recent merger with DT Dobie. At the Associated Vehicle Assemblers, CFAO Motors now locally assembles the Land Cruiser LC79 series, Hino trucks and buses, Hilux single and double cab pickups, and Toyota Hiace (mini-bus); and the Mercedes Benz trucks and buses, Hyundai trucks, and Volkswagen passenger cars at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers assembly plant in Thika.
The Fortuner assembly line features state-of-the art assembly fixtures that are critical for maintaining the highest quality standards during manufacturing.
The launch of the Fortuner CKD assembly line demonstrates CFAO Motors’ continuous commitment to the Government’s manufacturing manifesto and the ‘Buy Kenya Build Kenya’ strategy. Because locally produced vehicles are exempt from duty, CFAO Motors will be able to offer the new Fortuner 2023 at an affordable price when compared to fully imported large SUVs.
Arvinder Reel, Managing Director of CFAO Motors Kenya, lauded the government’s efforts to promote the expansion of the local manufacturing industry, noting the National Automotive Policy as a catalyst for the availability of more locally produced automobiles in the country.
CFAO Motors has implemented a carbon-neutral strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by introducing ecologically efficient hybrid vehicles.