Germany renews plan to give a hand up to Kenya's auto industry
(From left) Deputy Head of Mission, Head of Economic Affairs German Embassy - Alexander Fierley, General Manager, Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) - Moses Abiero and CFAO Mobility Managing Director, Arvinder Reel during the German Embassy visit at Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM).
Kenya and Germany have announced a push to deepen their cooperation in supporting the local automotive industry to encourage skills development, the adoption of modern assembly technologies, and promotion of green mobility.
Germany Deputy Ambassador to Kenya and Trade Counsellor, Alexander Fierley said the initiative will help foster technology transfer during his visit to the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) premises in Thika.
Related
NCBA and CFAO Motors team up for vehicle financing
Shifting lanes: DT Dobie's auto spirit powers under CFAO Motors
Alexander Fierley lauded auto firm CFAO Mobility Kenya for taking the front seat in driving Kenya’s automotive assembly efforts through the investment in KVM. He underscored Germany’s interest in fostering mutual partnerships that promote innovation, and spur economic growth.
“Germany recognizes the critical role that the automotive industry plays in driving economic development. Our renewed cooperation with Kenya seeks to build stronger linkages between our industries, foster innovation and technology transfer, while supporting the country’s economic ambitions in supporting local manufacturing and regional competitiveness. We see KVM as a strategic step in the right direction”
KVM resumed the local assembly of Volkswagen vehicles namely the Toureg, Tiguan, T-cross under the level 2 Completely Knock-Down (CKD) arrangement, signaling a renewed focus on localization, job creation, and technology transfer within Kenya’s automotive industry.
CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director, Arvinder Reel said: “Our investment in KVM signals to our confidence in the Kenyan automotive industry and commitment to support our country’s economic growth. Through our investment at KVM, we are providing more job opportunities to Kenyans, offering innovation and skills transfer from global OEMs, supporting growth of SMEs through local content input, and availing even more affordable vehicles to the Kenyan consumer.”
The collaboration between Kenya and Germany is expected to unlock new opportunities for investment, innovation, and market development in the automotive industry as KVM continues to bolster its production capacity.
Currently, KVM is a leading assembler, handling a multi-brand portfolio of leading reputable brands in Kenya including, Mercedes Trucks and Bus, Volkswagen, Sinotruk, Tata, Caetano – Renault, Hyundai, JMC Trucks & pickups, BasiGo – EV bus, Mobikey – Man trucks and Buses, Foton, GB Auto – Eicher, Kinglong van and IEA – UD trucks.
