Regional car dealer DT Dobie & Company Kenya Limited has stated that the move to wind up the company is part of a brand consolidation drive kicked off more than two years ago. 

This is according to a statement from parent company CFAO Group that sought to dispel reports that the firm was exciting the Kenyan market after 76 years of operations.

“In a move to streamline operations and strengthen its market offering, an internal restructuring was completed effective 1st April 2023,” said CFAO Group in a statement. “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 Limited.”

In April 2023 CFAO Group and DT Dobie announced the merging of their business operations to form three entities; CFAO Mobility Kenya (formerly CFAO Motors Kenya), DT Dobie, and LOXEA Kenya.

The re-organisation saw CFAO Mobility Kenya emerge as the official distributor of 12 automotive brands, offering over 21 vehicle models. The company further operates an extensive dealer network comprising more than 40 service centers, authorized dealers, and company-owned branches across the country.

The integration of DT Dobie's operations into CFAO Mobility Kenya further meant that the former would be required to appoint a liquidator as part of the legal requirements followed in winding down the company. 

Last week CFAO Mobility Kenya announced the appointment of an official liquidator for DT Dobie with creditors given a month to submit claims they may have.

According to the company, the restructuring combines the heritage and expertise of two prominent and respected automotive players in Kenya and provides CFAO Mobility Kenya a broader portfolio of automotive brands. 

“For customers, this transition means greater convenience, consistency, and access to a broader range of mobility solutions all under one trusted name” states the firm in part. “CFAO Mobility Kenya remains committed to supporting every customer with enhanced service delivery, nationwide support, and an expanded lineup of vehicles and mobility solutions.”

Currently CFAO Group, is the local authorized distributor and service provider of Mercedes Benz passenger cars, trucks and buses, Toyota, Yamaha motorcycles, Suzuki, Hino, Hyundai commercial vehicles among others. 

The firm has in recent months ramped up investments and partnerships with local financial service providers to expand its local footprint. 

Last month the firm inked a deal with Equity Group to launch an asset financing product where institutions like schools can access up to 105 percent in financing to boost their fleets.

The deal came weeks after another partnership between CFAO Mobility Kenya and Almasi Financial Services to offer up to 90 percent in Sharia-compliant asset financing to customers.