Globally, corporate transactions are often informed by far reaching market and economic dynamics, and the recent move to liquidate auto dealer DT Dobie and Company Kenya is no exception.

On August 15-17, 2025, the High Court ordered the firm's liquidation, effectively slamming the breaks on a 76-year-old company that has been synonymous with the sale and serving of iconic auto brands: Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Jeep and Volkswagen.

However, contrary to media reports, DT Dobie's liquidation doesn't reflect a retreat, rather an evolution of the auto firm's business stemming from a 2023 merger deal that it entered into rival, CFAO Motors Kenya.

"As of 31st March 2023, the CFAO Group's operations in Kenya comprised three entities: CFAO Mobility Kenya (formerly CFAO Motors Kenya). DT Dobie, and LOXEA Kenya," a statement from CFAO Motors Kenya dated August 17 explains.

Unification of auto businesses

It added: "Through this strategic alignment, DT Dobie & Company Kenya Ltd officially transferred its business assets to CFAO Mobility Kenya. This consolidation marked the unification of both businesses under a single entity: CFAO Mobility Kenya Ltd."

This transition has seen CFAO Mobility Kenya secure the rights of distributing a dozen auto brands, together offering 21 different models of vehicles under one roof. 

Equally, the evolution will see the company run a dealership network of over 40 service centres across the country.

As a result of the 2023 merger of the auto companies, all DT Dobie range of services, including sales and after-sales support, now run under CFAO.

"For customers, this transition means greater convenience, consistency, and access to a broader range of mobility solutions," CFAO statement reads in part.

At the moment, CFAO Mobility Kenya Ltd is the official distributor of auto brands Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Yamaha motorcycles, Suzuki, Hino and Hyundai.

Additionally, the company distributes Sinotruk (HOWO), Automark (pre-owned vehicles), Winpart (value parts) and AUTOFAST service stations. What's more, the firm distributes BF Goodrich and Michelin tyre brands.

Cross-border sales

With operations extending to neighbouring countries, CFAO can leverage DT Dobie's decades-old networks to facilitate cross-border sales, contributing to the East African Community's integration goals. 

This could lead to increased exports of vehicles and parts, bolstering foreign exchange earnings and supporting ancillary businesses such as insurance and financing. 

As DT Dobie's chapter closes under its original banner, CFAO Motors Kenya emerges as a stronger player, poised to navigate future challenges like electric vehicle adoption and digital sales platforms.

[email protected]