Simba Corporation, a key player in Kenya’s automotive manufacturing and sales industry has unveiled the new Ashok Leyland ECOMET Truck model, as it seeks to cement its position in the light-duty trucks segment.
The unveiling that coincided with the opening of a new dealership in Thika Town, Swanley Motors, now enhances the company’s efforts in gaining market share by positioning the 7-tonne truck, in the competitive seven to 10-tonne trucks category, that in 2023 registered total sales of 1,378 units.
Year-to-date, Simba Corporation has sold a total of 165 units, coming third after Isuzu (631) and CFAO Motors (459 units).
According to the Group managing director, of the motors division, Naresh Leekha, the twin launches are a significant drive for the company as it targets growth in the Mount Kenya, Eastern and Rift Valley regions.
“The launch of Ashok Leyland Ecomet model in Kenya fulfills a gap in our product range and strategically positions Simba Corporation as a comprehensive transport solutions provider to meet the diverse needs of the Kenyan customer,” Leekha said.
Priced at Sh4.5 million, the ECOMET can easily be converted into a 29 or 33-seater bus, which allows the company to also tap into the larger public and mass transport segments of the market.
Simba Corporation through its subsidiary Deluxe Trucks and Buses aims to capture a wider market share while providing customer solutions beyond the traditional trucking needs such as hardware, mattresses, water tanks and other logistics segments.
Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Varvany said the firm will extend financing offers among other incentives for the ECOMET Truck, including an after-sales assurance of a year warranty or 500,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
“Most businesses budget and make plans for purchase investments at the beginning of the year. For us, this is an opportune time to announce our dealership arrangement with Swanley Motors and start building relationships with new truck customers,” Varvany said.
“With the current state of the economy, customers want a truck that is well priced and which they can easily present to their financing partners for support without the fear or concerns of failure to perform.”
Targeting key business segments such as corporate and public service transport, agribusiness and processing, construction and education transport sectors, Varvany said the new Thika dealership will also support uptake of other Simba Corporation brands.
